Bitter Gourd and Tomato Soup with Lemon

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing, vibrant soup that transforms bitter gourd into a smooth, comforting bowl with a bright lemon finish. This french-inspired soups ready in about 43 minutes pairs large (about 8 oz) bitter gourd, medium (about 10 oz) tomatoes, medium (about 2 oz) onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 115 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 23 min Serves 2 French cuisine 115 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut bitter gourd lengthwise, remove seeds, and dice into 1/4-inch pieces; place in a bowl with 1/2 tsp salt, toss to coat, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out bitterness, then drain and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: Finely chop onion and tomatoes, then heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat for 2 minutes until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add chopped onion to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Add diced bitter gourd and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly softened.
  5. Step 5: Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 15 minutes until bitter gourd is very tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove pot from heat and blend soup with an immersion blender until completely smooth; return to low heat if needed to warm through.
  7. Step 7: Stir in lemon juice and chopped basil, then serve hot with additional basil for garnish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Bitter Gourd and Tomato Soup with Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 43 minutes (20 min prep + 23 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bitter Gourd and Tomato Soup with Lemon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium (about 10 oz) tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bitter Gourd and Tomato Soup with Lemon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bitter Gourd and Tomato Soup with Lemon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bitter Gourd and Tomato Soup with Lemon?

French soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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