Spicy Bitter Melon Stir-Fry with Chicken Gizzards and Toasted Coconut

Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Chicken Gizzards and Toasted Coconut

Ingredients:

• 1 bitter melon (pare), sliced thinly
• 4 chicken gizzards, cut into small pieces and boiled until tender
• 1 kaffir lime leaf
• 4 tablespoons finely ground toasted coconut
• ½ small carton of coconut milk (Kara brand)
• A pinch of ground coriander
• For the Spice Paste:
  • 6 shallots
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 10 curly red chilies (adjust with extra bird’s eye chilies for more heat)
  • ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
  • A small piece of ginger
  • A small stalk of lemongrass (use only the white part)
  • A small piece of galangal
  • A small piece of turmeric (about the size of your finger)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bitter Melon:

   • Wash and drain the sliced bitter melon. Sprinkle with salt and gently massage to extract excess moisture. Rinse thoroughly three times to remove excess salt and bitterness. Set aside.

2. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • In a hot pan with a little oil, sauté the shallots, garlic, and red chilies until fragrant and softened. Add the ginger, lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric. Continue to sauté until the mixture is aromatic and the spices are well combined.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the kaffir lime leaf and ground coriander to the pan. Stir well to combine with the spice paste.

4. Add Chicken Gizzards:

   • Incorporate the boiled chicken gizzards into the pan. Stir to coat the gizzards with the spice mixture.

5. Add Bitter Melon and Coconut:

   • Add the prepared bitter melon slices and toasted coconut to the pan. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

6. Finish the Dish:

   • Pour in the coconut milk, adding a little water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency. Stir well and adjust seasoning with salt and additional spices if needed. Simmer until the bitter melon is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.

7. Serve:

   • Once the dish has reached the right consistency and flavor, remove from heat. Serve hot as a flavorful side dish or main course.

Enjoy the harmonious blend of spicy, savory, and slightly bitter flavors in this traditional Indonesian-inspired recipe!