On Saturday night we did something we haven't done in a long time. And that's going to a bar at night. A friend of ours is moving to the Netherlands so that was kind of a "until the next time" get-together. It was a good night, obviously, alcohol being involved and all. We even stayed a bit over the curfew of 10 PM, but it seems the police force is not upholding these so-called rules in any shape or form. But I wasn't taking any chances, so I took a checkpoint free route on my way home. I'm somewhat of a "criminal" myself sometimes, I guess. π
To combat any possible signs of hangover fever, we made sure to have a hearty and filling breakfast. After that it was a bitter Sunday. No, nobody was mad, the vegetables were literally of the bitter kind. We had a gourd-like vegetable locally called "Sopropo", better known to the world as Bitter Melon. I bought about six from the lady at the family farm around the corner. I actually wanted just one batch of 3, but she gave me a deal if I took the second and last batch as well, so of course I did. Well played lady.
Along with the Sopropo went pieces of smoked fish which we pre-shredded a week ago when got it from my mom.
Dash Out!
Let's start with breakfast! Bacon doesn't need any explanation. :)
I mean, look at that beauty. Can't go wrong with that.
Sincere apologies to any vegetarians watching though. π
An egg fried in the bacon fat, a leftover Indian snack called 'Barra' and some leftover white beans in tomato sauce complete the full breakfast. :)
The Sopropo or Bitter Melon has to be cleaned first. We didn't take a before picture, but google is full of those if you're interested. After removing the insides that are the bitter part, we just cut them into half slices which are then ready for cooking.
Of course we cleaned that extra batch as well and that went into plastic bag into the freezer, ready for immediate use next time.
And now it's time to start the cooking. As usual we throw some garlic in hot oil first. With the amount of garlic I cook with, vampires wouldn't even dare of sucking my blood. After the garlic is browned a bit, add chopped onion and chilies. And then the shredded smoked fish. This should always go in first, to make sure the frying process eliminates any fishy aftertaste that might linger. Chopped tomatoes go in after that.
And then it's time for the vegetable of the day to go in.
Bitter Melon is definitely an acquired taste. Some people like it, some don't. The trick to preparing it is to find a good balance for the bitterness with other flavors. To me putting smoked fish, tomato sauce or a bit of ketchup (for sweetness and acidity) is the best combination.
Ketchup it was!
Add salt and pepper to taste, some water and lower the heat to steam for about 15 minutes and it should be ready to go. For this dish I also decided to make an exception and join the rice cult for a day. π
This was part of the Dash Out Sunday culture in the ReggaeJAHM Community. Special shoutout to @dmilliz for starting the trend in the community.
Check out the details here and be sure to shared your culinary Sunday with us.
Thank you for stopping by. π
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