Bitter Melon and Fish Ball Soup

BITTER MELON LOOKS LIKE A PALE GREEN CUCUMBER BUT IT HAS A BUMPY EXTERIOR, SIMILAR TO A KAFFIR LIME. ITS FLESH IS CRUNCHY AND WATERY IN TEXTURE WITH A BITTER TASTE, AS THE NAME WILL TELL YOU. THE VEGETABLE SHOULD BE EATEN GREEN AS IT GETS SWEETER AS IT RIPENS.

IN VIETNAM, SOUPS SUCH AS THESE LIGHT BROTHS ARE USUALLY SERVED TO COMPLEMENT THE OTHER DISHES THAT MAKE UP THE MEAL. THEY HELP BALANCE OUT THE SALTIER FLAVOURS OF OTHER FOODS AND ALSO CLEANSE THE PALATE.