Bitter Gourd Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 medium bitter gourd, sliced thinly

• 10g vermicelli (soo hoon), soaked and drained

• 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 carrot, sliced

• 1 liter of water or vegetable/chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or to taste)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• A few sprigs of coriander or spring onions for garnish

• Olive oil or cooking oil for sautéing (preferably avoid unhealthy oils)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bitter Gourd: If you find bitter gourd too bitter, soak the slices in salt water for about 15 minutes before cooking to reduce the bitterness. Rinse and set aside.

2. Prepare the Vermicelli: Soak the vermicelli in warm water for about 5-10 minutes until soft, then drain and set aside.

3. Heat Oil: In a pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the sliced onion and minced garlic until fragrant.

4. Add Vegetables: Add the sliced carrot and sauté for a few minutes.

5. Add Water/Broth: Pour in the water or broth and bring it to a boil.

6. Add Bitter Gourd and Shrimp: Add the soaked bitter gourd slices and shrimp to the pot. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the bitter gourd is tender.

7. Add Vermicelli: Stir in the soaked vermicelli and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.

8. Season: Add soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with coriander or spring onions before serving.

Tips:

• Reducing Bitterness: Soaking the slices in salt water helps reduce the bitterness of the bitter gourd.

• Health Benefits: This soup is low in calories and rich in vitamins, making it a great addition to a healthy diet.

• Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables according to your preference.

Serving Size:

This recipe serves about 2 to 3 people.

Enjoy your healthy Keto Shrimp and Vermicelli Soup with Bitter Gourd! 🥣🍤