Canh Khổ Qua Dồn Thịt

Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup



2 bitter melons, sliced in rings 1-inch thick
1/2 lb lean pork, minced
1/4 onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 small wooden ear mushrooms, soaked and minced
1 ounce cellophane noodles , soaked and diced
1 T. fish sauce
salt to taste
fresh ground pepper
2 stalks green onion, diced
6 sprigs cilantro, diced

Mix ground pork, onion, garlic, mushroom and cellophane noodles well in a bowl, salt and pepper to taste.
Use a small spoon to scoop the seeds out of the melon rings. Stuff the pork mixture inside the rings.
Add water in a medium pot, bring to boil. Add the stuffed melon, bring back to boil. Skim off scum then reduce heat, simmer until soft about 15'. Add fish sauce and pepper to taste. Add onion and cilantro when served.