Recipe: Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Egg (Pare Telur)
This delightful dish, known as Pare Telur, showcases the unique flavor of bitter melon, also known as pare, combined with aromatic spices and scrambled eggs. A perfect choice for those seeking to explore new tastes, this recipe not only brings out the best in bitter melon but also incorporates a medley of traditional Indonesian flavors. Here’s how to prepare this savory treat.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bitter Melon (Pare) | 3 small pieces |
| Eggs | 1 large |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Shallots | 4 cloves |
| Red Chili | 1 whole |
| Bird’s Eye Chili (Cabe Rawit) | 6 pieces |
| Galangal | 1 cm |
| Shrimp Paste (Terasi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Tomato | 1 whole |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Cooking Oil | For frying and sautéing |
Nutritional Information
(Note: This section should include the nutritional breakdown such as calories, fats, proteins, etc., based on the estimated serving size, which can be calculated separately if required.)
Instructions
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Prepare the Bitter Melon:
- Begin by slicing the bitter melon in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the spongy white seeds and any fibrous parts from the inside, then chop the flesh into small pieces.
- Rinse the chopped bitter melon thoroughly under cold water. Sprinkle with salt and gently massage the pieces to help draw out any bitterness. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then rinse again.
-
Make the Spice Paste:
- In a mortar and pestle, or using a blender, combine the garlic, shallots, red chili, bird’s eye chili, galangal, shrimp paste, tomato, salt, and sugar. Grind or blend until you achieve a smooth paste.
-
Prepare the Eggs:
- Heat a small amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Crack the egg into the pan and scramble it until fully cooked. Once done, remove the scrambled egg from the pan and set it aside to drain on a paper towel.
-
Fry the Bitter Melon:
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped bitter melon. Sauté for approximately 10 minutes until the melon is tender yet still slightly crisp. Remove and drain the fried pieces.
-
Combine and Serve:
- In the same pan, add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Next, incorporate the fried bitter melon and scrambled eggs. Stir everything together, ensuring the spice paste evenly coats the ingredients.
- Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt or sugar as desired.
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Presentation:
- Transfer the stir-fried bitter melon and egg mixture to a serving dish. Serve warm, ideally with steamed rice to balance the flavors.
Enjoy Your Culinary Adventure!
This Pare Telur recipe is not only a testament to the delightful bitterness of pare but also a journey through the rich tapestry of Indonesian flavors. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light meal, and savor each bite of this exquisite dish!
