Recipe - Braised Hairy Melon (Marrow Green) With Dried Cuttlefish

The hairy melon is a squash or a gourd. It is sometimes referred to as marrow green or just marrow. It is also sometimes called fuzzy melon or fuzzy gourd. The Chinese called it hairy melon because it has tiny hairs on its skin.

This hairy melon is rich in vitamins A, C, K and B complex. It is also rich in minerals, notably potassium and manganese but they also contain calcium, iron, copper, magnesium and phosphorus.

The hairy melon can be used for making soup, stir fry or bake.

dried cuttlefish

In this recipe, I use dried cuttlefish instead of dried shrimps to flavour the melon which is braised in low heat. A beaten egg is tossed in at the last minute for added flavour.

Ingredients:
1 hairy melon, about 500 grams (small one)
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tbs light soy
1 egg beaten
10 thin strips of dried cuttlefish
Dash of pepper
1 tbs oil

Method:

hairy melon

Peel the skin of the melon and cut the melon into thin slices

Heat oil in the wok till hot
Toss in the garlic and fry till fragrant
Toss in the cuttlefish slices, melon slices and stir fry for a minute
Add half a cup of water and 1 tbs of light soy.
Bring to boil, then switch to low and let it simmer for about 4 minutes
Add a dash of pepper and toss in the egg.
It is done when the egg is cooked.

  
In this 16 minute video, the melon is stuffed with mince meat and baked.



2 minute video on making hairy melon soup.

1 lb. sliced Chinese melon (known as hairy melon or mo gua)
4 oz. sliced pork
2 pieces sliced ginger
2 tablespoons dried shrimp
1 salted duck egg (optional)
5 cups water
1/4 to 1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil





In this 3 minute video, the fuzzy melon is stuffed with pork and prawn and then steamed.