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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Food devider Ampalaya recipes to try this February

Ampalaya recipes to try this February

Published Feb 13, 2023 11:31 am

In the case of ampalaya, bitter is better

If there is one vegetable that always gets a bad image among Filipinos, it is the ampalaya. This green, oblong-shaped vegetable with a bumpy exterior is infamously known for its bitter taste. While there are kitchen hacks that could lessen it, still, many are not that excited to eat when they see it on their plate. 

(Photo by Lars H Knudsen/Pexel)

Ampalaya, also known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, is one of the nutrient-pack vegetable people must eat often. Manila Bulletin Lifestyle columnist and registered nutritionist dietitian Cheshire Que listed it as one of the five superfoods that should be a staple in your kitchen. According to her, ampalaya's compounds increase "the uptake of glucose or sugar by the cells to be stored and used up as energy," helping to lower blood glucose level. 

The Philippines' National Nutrition Council also notes that ampalaya is loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate, which are essential for bone formation, healthy skin and good vision, and growth and development, respectively.

If you are looking for ways to include ampalaya in your daily meal, below are some recipes proving that although it is bitter, ampalaya is an excellent ingredient for a mean dish.

Ampalaya con tokwa by Chef Tatung Sarthou

Chef Tatung Sarthou gives a 'simpol' twist to ampalaya by turning it into a stir-fried dish with tofu.

Ensaladang ampalaya by Chef Tatung Sarthou

His next take on the ampalaya is a refreshing ensalada side dish made with labanos or radish.

Ilocano dinengdeng by Erwan Heussaff

Find comfort in Ilocano vegetable soup dinendeng by Erwan Heussaff. This colorful soup features an array of vegetables with fried tilapia completing the dish. 

Ampalaya sisig by National Nutrition Council-MIMAROPA Region

Make your favorite sisig more healthful by adding ampalaya. National Nutrition Council-MIMAROPA Region's take on the beloved putulan will definitely make you want to take another cup of rice.

Photo from National Nutrition Council-MIMAROPA Region/Facebook

Amapalaya con carne by Chef Ron Bilaro 

Ginisang ampalaya is made more hearty and meaty with Chef Ron Bilaro's ampalaya con carne.

Ampalaya with sotanghon by Homefoodie

Quick and easy, Homefoodie's recipe elevates the classic ginisang ampalaya by putting sotanghon in the mix.

Ampalaya with sotanghon by Homefoodie

Ampalaya guisado by Del Monte Kitchenomics

Of course, this list wouldn't be complete without the beloved ampalaya guisado. Del Monte Kitchenomics' version brings to the table a more saucy ampalaya dish perfect with rice.

Ampalaya guisado by Del Monte Kitchenomics

How about you? How do you like your ampalaya?

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