Bitter Melon, Soybean and Pork Bone Soup

Why people make this soup

On the hottest day of the year, when the air is heavy and muggy, Nourilo turns to bitter melon. Don’t fear the bitterness — bitter melon is nicknamed the “gentleman’s vegetable” because it keeps its bitterness to itself; the bitter compounds release slowly, so a one-hour soup tastes clean and lightly fragrant rather than harsh. Traditionally it clears summer heat, and the soybeans, figs and pork bone soften its coolness so the bowl stays kind to the stomach.

Method

1. Blanch the pork bone.
2. Deseed the bitter melon and cut it into chunks.
3. Soak and rinse the soybeans.
4. Put everything in a pot, add water and simmer for one hour. Done.

Nourilo’s Tips

Soak the soybeans for half a day before cooking — they soften faster, and soaking beans for a few hours cuts down on bloating and gas.