Goya (Bitter Melon)-Handama Sunburst Chili Penne - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 bitter melon (goya)
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 cups water
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
2 cups chili (I used my leftover Crockpot Sunburst Chili)
spinach leaves (I used handama a.k.a. Okinawan spinach)
penne
grated parmesan cheese

Preparation

Gut and slice goya and then soak the slices in sea salt water for two hours. (It is very important to completely remove the white inner membrane and allow time for the salt soak to remove bitterness).
Prepare penne according to directions on package.
Rinse and strain handama.
Strain goya and saute in sesame oil on medium heat until tender.
Add chili and heat for approximately 10 minutes.
Strain and toss penne with handama.
Plate and ladle on the goya-chili mixture.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.