| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 270 | 8g | 2g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 4g | 27g | 1.2g |
There are recipes that spark nostalgia and there are recipes that blaze a trail of new culinary exploration. Stir-fried momordica balsamina with chicken is the latter kind for me. This intriguing dish burst into my life, captivating my senses with its flavorful dance of tropical vibes and Asian undertones, much like a salsa routine delicately transitioning into a flamenco performance.
A Tropical Fusion of Delight
Stir-fried momordica balsamina with chicken is a dazzling medley of flavors that tempts the palate in ways only the exotic can. Its origins are rooted in African cuisine, with the momordica balsamina – also known as the African cucumber – employed as the crowning glory of this recipe. For a tropical spin, we’re serving it stir-fried with chicken and pineapple chunks, splashed with the pleasant warmth of fresh ginger and garlicky undertones.
This dish bears a resemblance to a classic sweet and sour chicken but opens up a fresh world of taste all its own, with the momordica balsamina stepping in as a more adventurous swap for bell peppers. And for those who enjoy tapas, this recipe gives the perfect accompaniment to a glass of chilled Spanish white wine.
Healthful Exotic Flavors
Not only is the Stir-fried momordica balsamina with chicken a culinary marvel, it’s also a recipe rife with nutritional benefits. The momordica balsamina is overflowing with antioxidants, which can cleanse your system and aid in digestion. Not to forget its rich vitamin C content, an immunity booster that is always welcome. Combine this with the lean protein from the chicken and immune-boosting properties of garlic, ginger and pineapple, this dish is a nutritional powerhouse as pleasing to the body as it is to the palate.
Ready to expose your taste buds to a new culinary adventure? Embark on this tropical gastronomic journey, as it is sure to become a favorite among those both new and familiar with African and tropical flavors.
Here you can learn more about the health benefits of momordica balsamina. The Stir-fried momordica balsamina with chicken is a dish I hold dear, and I trust it will make a delightful addition to your culinary collection too.
What You’ll Need
- 2 medium momordica balsamina (African cucumber)
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Method
Step One
First, prepare the ingredients. Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Cut the momordica balsamina (African cucumber) in half, remove the seeds and cut into slices.
Step Two
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step Three
In the same pan, add the chopped onion, red and yellow bell peppers, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
Step Four
Add the sliced momordica balsamina and pineapple chunks to the pan. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the momordica balsamina is tender.
Step Five
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce and cornstarch together to make a slurry. Pour this into the pan, along with the chicken stock. Bring to a simmer and let the sauce thicken.
Step Six
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, stirring to coat with the sauce. Cook for a few more minutes to heat the chicken through.
Step Seven
Before serving, garnish the stir-fry with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over cooked rice.
