Canh Khổ Qua

Canh Khổ Qua is a refreshing and nutritious Vietnamese bitter melon soup, perfect for those following a low-carb diet. This flavorful dish combines the unique taste of bitter melon with lean protein and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients

• Bitter melon (Khổ Qua) - 200 grams
• Ground pork - 150 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Shallots - 1 small, minced
• Chicken broth - 500 ml
• Fish sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Fresh cilantro - 10 grams, chopped
• Green onions - 1 stalk, chopped
• Lime - 1, for garnish

Steps

1. Wash the bitter melon thoroughly, cut it in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds using a spoon.
2. Slice the bitter melon into thin half-moon shapes and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, minced garlic, minced shallots, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff the bitter melon halves with the ground pork mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
5. In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium heat.
6. Add the stuffed bitter melon to the boiling broth and reduce heat to a simmer.
7. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and the bitter melon is tender.
8. Stir in the fish sauce and chopped cilantro just before serving.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 7 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 50 mg
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and potassium.
• May help regulate blood sugar levels due to its low carbohydrate content.

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