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Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd, is a nutritious vegetable that’s especially beneficial during the summer months. It has a distinctive bitter taste that pairs well with the sharpness of onions. This simple and refreshing salad is a great way to incorporate more bitter melon into your diet. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
1 medium bitter melon
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon salt (for bitter melon preparation)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, to balance bitterness)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bitter Melon
Wash and Slice: Wash the bitter melon thoroughly. Cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Slice the bitter melon into thin half-moons.
Salt the Bitter Melon: Place the sliced bitter melon in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of salt. Toss to coat and let it sit for about 20-30 minutes. This process helps reduce the bitterness.
Rinse and Drain: After 20-30 minutes, rinse the bitter melon slices under cold water to remove the salt. Drain well and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Prepare the Onion
Slice the Onion: Thinly slice the red onion and place it in a bowl of cold water. Let it soak for about 10 minutes to reduce its sharpness. Drain and pat dry.
3. Assemble the Salad
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the prepared bitter melon and red onion slices.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, honey or maple syrup (if using), salt, and pepper.
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