Known as a superfood for its many health benefits as it is packed with several important nutrients that can help reduce blood sugar, decrease cholesterol levels, aid weight loss, among other things, Ampalaya is not actually only called the Bitter Gourd. Its other names are Balsam Pear, Bitter Apple, Bitter Cucumber, Bitter Melon, and honestly many more which we are not going to list down as we don’t want to bombard you with all the names that it is called.
What’s interesting about it is that we noticed how the word bitter is often present in most of what we have mentioned and that is because if you are familiar with this vegetable (which is debatable as others swear it is a fruit or an herb), then you probably have an idea as to why that is the case – and that is because it is undeniably bitter; which unfortunately turns off a lot of people. They just cannot seem to take its bitterness while others find that same bitterness rather delicious!
The thing about Ampalaya’s distinct bitterness is that, yes, it can be overwhelming, but then again, with the right set of ingredients and spices, its taste can absolutely wow you! Balancing its sharp flavor with other ingredients can be tricky, but do not fret and do not lose hope, because you will soon learn to master this vegetable with us – starting with today’s dish. We are not going to leave you all by yourself in the kitchen with Ampalaya in your hands, of course! We got you. We always got you.
Ampalaya is often found in the Carribean, the Amazon, and the Southeast Asia, hence its abundance here in the Philippines. As that is the case, we Filipinos have found ways to turn Ampalaya into various scrumptious savory viands while also highlighting its signature bitter flavor. Believe us, it is yum, and as we have said earlier, we are going to share to you today how we serve Ampalaya to our loved ones without them doing an unappetizing face on the table.
No need for you to think further as to how we do it because today we will be making Tortang Ampalaya which is one of our go-to Ampalaya dishes because 1) it is yummy, 2) it is filling, and 3) you know us and you know we are always on-the-go so yes, it is quick and simple. Hooray! Here is another dependable dish for you to make for when you are in a rush.
Tortang Ampalaya is frankly a comforting and humbling dish to have as its main ingredients are just ampalaya and eggs. No kidding. Just whip up some eggs, add your sliced up ampalaya into that, throw in your spices, and viola(!), you got yourself a satisfying Tortang Ampalaya already. However, if you want to play it up and add more fun into the mix, then do know that you can of course, add garlic, onions, and even tomatoes into it.
Truly, Tortang Ampalaya can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Eating it chooses no time and it will always be delightful to have as the flavors of all the ingredients just cohesively come together without losing the bitterness of the ampalaya but also not punching you with it. Indeed, an easy and simple recipe you can always dig into with your friends and family.
