BITTER MELON SOUP WITH PRAWNS

Preparation Method :

• Soak the dried mushrooms in boiling water for 8 - 10 minutes or until soft. Cut off and discard the stalks, then drain.
• Use a pestle and mortar to grind and pound the garlic and coriander roots and stalks into a paste. Mix the minced prawns with the garlic paste, corn flour, salt and pepper.
• Spoon the prawn mixture into the melon rings. Use a cocktail stick to poke through one side of the bitter melon and out the other side.
• Prepare the whole prawns. Put the stock, goji berries (if using), soy sauce and preserved radish in a pan and bring to the boil.
• Reduce the heat to low and add the stuffed melon and mushrooms. Cook for 10 - 12 minutes or until the melon is tender.
• Add the prawns 3 - 4 minutes before the end o the cooking time. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Leave the sticks on the melon pieces or pull them out.
• Spoon into serving bowls and garnish with spring onions and coriander.