Gourd Stew: A Vietnamese Delight for Health and Flavor

The gourd, a humble fruit familiar to many Vietnamese households, is the foundation for numerous traditional dishes. Among these, gourd soup stands out for its simplicity and nourishment. The Vietnamese gourd, packed with essential nutrients, offers a myriad of health benefits.

One of the most notable advantages of consuming gourd is its ability to maintain stable blood pressure levels. Gourds are rich in flavonoids, nutrients known for their capacity to widen blood vessels, thus contributing to blood pressure stabilization. Extensive global research supports the consumption of Vietnamese gourds for their flavonoid content, which plays a role in preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Beyond its cardiovascular benefits, the gourd is also revered as a "miracle drug" for skin ailments in traditional folklore. It's said that gourds can heal ulcers and other skin conditions.

Another significant health benefit of gourds is their role in preventing kidney stones. They naturally reduce the intake of sodium and oxalate, both of which are factors in kidney stone formation.

For those on a journey to weight loss, gourds offer an additional advantage. They contain saponin, an active ingredient that suppresses appetite and aids in weight management.

With these benefits in mind, I'm excited to share my Vietnamese gourd stew recipe on my blog. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also a healthful addition to your diet.

Ingredients:

- 1 small gourd (bầu)

- 3 cloves of garlic, minced

- 2 shallots, chopped

- 3 red chilis

Stew Sauce Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup coconut water

- 1 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tbsp vegan oyster sauce

- 1 tbsp sugar

- 1 tsp salt

- 1 tbsp mushroom seasoning

- 1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions:

1. Begin by peeling the gourd and cutting it into 1-inch rounds. Soak these slices in salted water for 15 minutes before draining.

2. Prepare the stew sauce by combining all the ingredients in a bowl.

3. Heat two tablespoons of oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots, cooking them until they become fragrant, about three minutes.

4. Add the gourd slices, chilis and prepared sauce to the pan. Cover and let it simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes.

5. Afterward, remove the lid and continue cooking until the sauce thickens to your preference.

6. Finish by garnishing with chopped green onions and cilantro.

Serve this delightful stew with hot cooked rice and savor the flavors of Vietnam while reaping the health benefits it offers.

Enjoy your meal!