Ampalaya with Black Beans: The Perfect Blend of Flavors and Textures
Well hey there friends and fellow parents! It’s April from relaxlangmom.com coming at ya with a new recipe that’s perfect as a side dish or on its own.
I know a lot of us are feeling the heat wave and being stuck in the kitchen is about as appealing as having to wash spinach out of the car seats. But fear not – this Ampalaya with Black Beans (or Tausi) as we like to call it) is a one-pan wonder that comes together in a snap.
I found this quick stir fry is perfect for those days when you just can’t face firing up the stovetop for long. The aromatic blend of tangy black beans, ground beef, and a surprise ingredient you may not have tried before – ampalaya – come together without much effort at all.
Ampalaya With Black Beans Ingredients
Ampalaya, also known as bitter melon, is a staple ingredient in many Filipino dishes. Its unique bitter taste adds depth and complexity to various culinary creations. Ampalaya is not only valued for its distinct taste but also for its numerous health benefits. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as iron, folate, and potassium, this humble vegetable offers a plethora of nutrients essential for overall well-being.
Black beans, or Tausi, complement the bitterness of ampalaya with their salty, earthy flavor and creamy texture. Black beans are also a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. Incorporating black beans into your diet can promote satiety and support digestive health. They’re usually found in the market but can also be bought in cans from grocery stores. Amazon or Shopee have them too. Ps, don’t forget to wash them because they are very salty!
Alamang, or shrimp paste, is a traditional Filipino condiment known for its strong flavor and aroma. You can buy it fresh and cook it yourself but nowadays, there are a lot of bottled options that you can buy from the grocery. It is very salty but when used in moderation, alamang can enhance the taste of dishes without adding excessive calories. For this recipe, I used the sweet flavored one and it totally rounded off the taste!
I know it can be risky trying unfamiliar things and ampalaya, tausi, and alamang are all an acquired taste but Ampalaya with Black Beans can really be a healthy addition to your usual veggies. I talked about how to prepare the Ampalaya and how to lessen the bitterness here: Ampalaya Con Carne Recipe (Beef Ampalaya). Go check that out if you want to try the vegetable but afraid that it’ll be too bitter for you.
How To Cook Ampalaya With Black Beans
To make Tausi with Ampalaya, you simply saute and toss all the ingredients into a skillet and let them macerate together until the ampalaya softens and the flavors meld. You can serve it over rice for an extra filling meal or enjoy as a side for a fried protein such as fish or pork chops.
Best of all, there’s no fussing over it once it goes into the pan. Just saute and cover for 10 minutes and let the magic happen while you put your feet up for a bit. Sometimes low effort is the way to go, amirite?
So give this veggie combo a whirl – and you’ll be one pan closer to relaxation in this heat!
Let me know if you give Ampalaya with Black Beans (Tausi) a try. Now go be cool and enjoy!
XOXO,
April
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Ingredients
- Fresh ampalaya, thinly sliced
- Black beans (Tausi), drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup alamang guisado (salted shrimp paste)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 menium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation:
- Begin by slicing the ampalaya into thin pieces and removing any seeds.
- Optional to remove bitterness: Salt ampalaya and leave for at least 30 minutes then wash with water to remove salt.
- Rinse the black beans (Tausi) under cold water to remove excess salt.
Sautéing:
- In a pan, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent.
- Add alamang (salted shrimp paste)
Incorporating Ampalaya and Black Beans:
- Add the sliced ampalaya to the pan and cook until slightly softened.
- Add the black beans (Tausi), stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
Seasoning:
- Season the dish with soy sauce, and pepper to taste. Allow the flavors to meld together over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Final Touches:
- Once the ampalaya is tender and the black beans are heated through, remove the pan from the heat and transfer the dish to a serving plate.
Notes
Enjoy ampalaya with black beans (Tausi) alongside steamed rice for a hearty meal.
Serve it as a side dish to complement grilled or fried fish or meat dishes.
