Guaythiew Gai Maraa (Chicken Noodle Soup with Bitter Melon)

Serves 4

Ingredients

For the Soup

• 1 whole chicken (about 2-3 pounds), cut into pieces
• 1 medium-sized bitter melon, cut into thin slices
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Noodles

• 300 grams rice noodles (thin or wide as preferred)
• Boiling water for cooking the noodles

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Fresh green onions, chopped
• Lime wedges
• Fresh bean sprouts
• Sliced chili peppers (optional)

Preparation

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
   • Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides.
2. Make the Soup:
   • Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Let the soup simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
3. Add the Bitter Melon:
   • While the soup is simmering, prepare the bitter melon by cutting it in half lengthwise, removing the seeds, and then slicing it thinly.
   • Add the sliced bitter melon to the soup and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the bitter melon is tender but not mushy.
4. Cook the Noodles:
   • In a separate pot, bring water to a boil.
   • Add the rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are just tender. Drain and set aside.
5. Assemble the Soup:
   • Divide the cooked noodles among four bowls.
   • Ladle the hot chicken and bitter melon soup over the noodles.
   • Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro, green onions, bean sprouts, and sliced chili peppers if using.
   • Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup.

Tips:

• Bitter melon has a strong taste, so you can adjust the amount according to your preference.
• You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or baby corn for additional flavor and texture.