Stir Fried Bitter Melon

I remember hating bitter melon when I was a kid. It was so ridiculously bitter, I could not imagine anyone enjoying this dish. But slowly as I got older, I slowly learned to love the unique bitter flavor. It is definately an acquired taste.
Bitter melon is a tropical and sub tropical fruit commonly consumed in South/South East Asia, China, Africa, and Carribbean.

Stir Fried Bitter Melon

Ingredients
- 2 bitter melons
- 1 tbsp Chinese fermented black beans, (a little smashed)
- salt to taste
- 1/4 cup of water

Instructions
1. Cut the bitter melon lengthwise, and gently remove the seeds


















2. Slice the bitter melon into thin slices














3. In a wok or skillet, heat up the bitter melon in a little oil.

4. Add the black beans and salt, and toss evenly. Add the water














5. Cover the bitter melons and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until the melons are tender and thoroughly cooked. Add more water is needed.

6. Eat as a side, with steamed rice.

Hearty Beef Chili

Warm hearty chili, perfect for dinner on a cold day.
I prefer to make my chili using fresh chunks of beef, rather than the traditional ground beef. However, feel free to substitue this recipe with any type/cut of beef you prefer.


Hearty Beef Chili

Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds of beef. Cut into tiny cubes
- 1 tsp of cumin
- 1 tsp of black pepper
- 1/2 tbsp of red pepper flakes
- 1.5 cups of water (use 1 cup if you prefer a thicker chili)
- 15 oz of Cannellini beans, drained
- 24 oz of canned diced tomates
- 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
- 3 oz of tomato paste
- 1 cup of diced onions
- Salt to taste

Instructions:



















1. Brown the beef and onions















2. Add water, tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, cannellini beans, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce

3. Stir, cover, and simmer for about 25 minues.














4. Add salt and pepper to taste.

5. Enjoy! Also tastes great with toasted bread. :)