Bitter Melon with Black Bean Sauce

Vegetables, also Vegetarian Foods

Bitter Melon with Black Bean Sauce
Ingredients:
1 large or two small bitter gourds
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 Tablespoon fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 whole garlic clove, peeled and minced
1 small chili pepper, seeded and chopped
1 Tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon thin soy sauce
1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
Preparation:
1. Peel the gourd(s), cut them in half. Discard the seeds and any pith, then slice the gourd halves crosswise into half-inch slices. Toss them with coarse salt, and let them rest for half an hour.
2. Blanch the slices in boiling water for one minute, then drain them.
3. Heat a wok or fry pan, add the oil, and stir-fry the garlic and chili pepper pieces for one minute, then add the black beans and the bitter gourd slices and stir well for one minute.
4. Add the soy sauces, sugar, and pepper and cover the pan and simmer for three minutes, then serve.

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