What ingredient or particular food is most controversial? We could spend hours debating over it, but I guarantee ampalaya will almost certainly top that list. Or at very least, it’ll definitely come close. While others refer to this ingredient as “bitter gourd,” ampalaya has been the subject of much debate from very polarizing viewpoints. Some call it an “acquired” taste, which wouldn’t be too far from the truth. This bitter melon is a favorite for many. Yet at the same time, others go green from just seeing it at the dining table. But regardless of how you feel about this vegetable, ampalaya with eggs may just be the game changer you didn’t know you needed!

Ampalaya with egg is one of the most traditional ways you can enjoy this vibrant and unique veggie. We also call it “ginisang ampalaya,” which directly translates to the method you use to cook this dish: stir frying. Tomatoes, garlic, and onion slices are the staples in any good ginisa. Here, ampalaya with egg makes your dish not only more colorful. It adds layers of flavor and texture for a perfect bite!

But what if I don’t like ampalaya? Or what if I’m feeding people who don’t?

Like we said, ampalaya isn’t exactly everyone’s cup of tea. There’s no denying that we can attribute our divisive feelings on ampalaya to its taste: unique, distinct, and, well — bitter. It’s that sharp, strong taste that immediately penetrates our taste buds when it comes to ampalaya, and if you’re a kid trying it for the first time more often than not it’s not exactly enjoyable. 

Fear not, however! This ampalaya with egg may just be the recipe that changes your mind about this controversial green. Like with many other dishes, there are certain tricks and methods you can use to make sure you and your family will like this ampalaya with egg a little bit more.

If your biggest concern about ampalaya is its bitterness, here are a few tips to help keep that flavor at bay.

• Rub it with salt. Before making your ampalaya with egg, slice your bitter melon into half moons, then rub salt along the insides of your slices. For about 5 minutes, let the salt sit in those slices, and you’ll notice the slightest bit of moisture form. This is because the salt, incredibly enough, has drawn out the bitter sap from the gourd — making your vegetable a little easier to eat and enjoy!
• Another way would be to soak your ampalaya in salt water. This brings about the same effect as rubbing your veggies with salt. In the salt water, be sure to squeeze your ampalaya lightly, in order to really extract all of that bitter sap.
• But did you know that even just rinsing your ampalaya in water can alleviate that bitter taste, even a little bit? By taking the time to let your ampalaya soak in water, then patting it dry after, you’re able to reduce the bitter taste you’re trying to avoid.

Being able to enjoy ampalaya also means being able to enjoy all the health benefits it has to offer. From its high levels of Vitamin A and fiber to the way it helps in reducing blood sugar and its potential cancer-fighting properties, this superfood is a must in any healthy diet. 

Even just cooking your ampalaya well is sufficient to let other flavors, apart from its bitterness, shine through. Try cooking this ampalaya with egg with me, and you’ll see what I mean!

How to Cook Ampalaya with Egg

Ampalaya with egg, like other ginisa dishes, is a very easy dish to make. The ingredients you’ll need for this recipe are minimal; apart from the main two ingredients, garlic, tomatoes, and onions are enough. The natural flavors of each ingredient come out and make the perfect bite. You and your family will definitely enjoy spoonful after spoonful of this healthy meal!

To start cooking, heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan. After it heats up, sauté your garlic, onion, and tomatoes. Let your onions soften before adding your bitter melon, or ampalaya slices. For about three minutes, stir fry these ingredients together. 

Then, push the contents of the pan to the side to create an open space wherein you’ll pour in the eggs you’d beaten. Quickly stir, letting your eggs scramble under the heat and mix with your other ingredients. The goal is to make your egg become firm, at which point you’ll chop it into pieces and mix with the rest. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste before turning the heat off your stove.

Transfer your ampalaya with egg to a serving bowl — don’t forget your cups of rice, too! Share and enjoy this dish with your family, and let us know what they now think of this bittersweet veggie!

If you enjoyed making this ampalaya with egg, here are other veggie dishes you can enjoy:

• Adobong Sitaw
• Chicken Chop Suey

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