Cara Agar Pare Tidak Pahit

>Hello Sohib EditorOnline! If you love Indonesian cuisine, you must have tried pare dishes. But, have you ever tasted a bitter pare? It ruins the taste, right? This article will give you insights on how to make pare less bitter. Pare is a healthy vegetable that has many benefits. However, the bitterness makes it less palatable. So, let’s learn how to cook it without compromising on the taste!

What is Pare?

Pare or bitter melon is a fruit that is green in color and has a bumpy skin. It is commonly consumed in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Caribbean. It tastes bitter but is believed to have many health benefits. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and is said to be good for diabetes and digestion.

What are the Nutritional Benefits of Pare?

Pare is a nutrient-dense vegetable. It is a rich source of vitamin C, folate, and potassium. It also has antioxidants that help in preventing various diseases. In addition, it is low in calories and carbs, making it an ideal choice for weight watchers and diabetic patients.

How to Choose Fresh Pare?

Choosing the right pare is important to get the best taste. Here are some tips:

Tips	Explanation
Select firm and green pare	Overripe or yellow pare will have a more bitter taste
Check for soft spots	Soft spots indicate that the pare is not fresh
Inspect for holes or cracks	Avoid pare with holes or cracks as they indicate insect damage

Why is Pare Bitter?

The bitterness of pare is due to the presence of a chemical compound called momordicin. This compound is present in the white pith and seeds of the fruit. If you remove or reduce the amount of momordicin, the bitterness can be reduced.

How to Reduce the Bitterness of Pare?

Here are some methods to reduce the bitterness:

1. Salt Method

This is the most common method used to remove the bitterness of pare. Here’s how:

1. Cut the pare into halves or slices and remove the seeds and white pith.
2. Sprinkle salt on the pare and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
3. Rinse the pare with water and pat dry before cooking.

2. Parboiling Method

Parboiling is another method that can reduce the bitterness. Here’s how:

1. Cut the pare into halves or slices and remove the seeds and white pith.
2. Boil the pare in water for 2-3 minutes.
3. Drain the water and rinse the pare with cold water.
4. Pat dry before cooking.

3. Vinegar Method

The acidity in vinegar can help in reducing the bitterness of pare. Here’s how:

1. Cut the pare into halves or slices and remove the seeds and white pith.
2. Soak the pare in a mixture of vinegar and water for 15-20 minutes.
3. Rinse the pare with water and pat dry before cooking.

How to Cook Pare?

Now that we know how to make pare less bitter, let’s learn some ways to cook it.

Stir-fry Method

This is the most common way of cooking pare. Here’s how:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add sliced onions and garlic.
2. Add sliced pare and stir-fry for a few minutes until tender.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice.
4. Enjoy with rice or bread.

Stuffed Pare

You can also stuff pare with meat or vegetables. Here’s how:

1. Cut the pare into halves and remove the seeds and white pith.
2. Stuff the pare with a mixture of minced meat and spices.
3. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked.
4. Serve hot.

Curry Method

Pare can also be used in curries. Here’s how:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add sliced onions and garlic.
2. Add cubed pare, along with chopped tomatoes and spices.
3. Cook until the pare is tender.
4. Enjoy with rice or bread.

FAQ

Q. Is Pare Good for Health?

A. Yes, pare is good for health. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals and is low in calories and carbs.

Q. How to choose fresh pare?

A. Choose firm and green pare, check for soft spots and inspect for holes or cracks.

Q. Why is pare bitter?

A. The bitterness of pare is due to the presence of momordicin, a chemical compound.

Q. How to reduce the bitterness of pare?

A. You can use the salt method, parboiling method, or vinegar method to reduce the bitterness.

Q. How to cook pare?

A. You can stir-fry, stuff, or use in curries.

That was a comprehensive guide on how to make pare less bitter and cook it. We hope you have enjoyed reading it and will try out the methods at home. Happy Cooking!

Cara Agar Pare Tidak Pahit