Ginataang Papaya

Ginataang Papaya Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Filipino Dish

Region / culture: Philippines | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Ginataang Papaya is a traditional Filipino dish that features green papaya cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce. This dish is known for its rich and comforting flavors, making it a popular choice for family meals and special occasions.

History

Ginataang Papaya has been a staple in Filipino cuisine for generations. The dish is believed to have originated in the Philippines, where coconut milk is a common ingredient in many traditional dishes. The combination of green papaya and coconut milk creates a creamy and flavorful dish that is loved by many.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of cooking oil
1 cup of thick coconut cream (first extraction)
1 cup of thick coconut milk (second extraction)
8 – 10 cloves of minced garlic
salt to taste
0.5 cup of slivered ginger
msg (optional)
1 tsp of black peppercorns
1 medium green papaya, thinly slivered

How to prepare

In a pan, heat cooking oil and sauté garlic.
When the garlic starts to turn brown, add the ginger and peppercorns. Sauté while pressing down to pulverize the mixture.
Sauté the papaya in the pan.
Pour in the second extraction of coconut milk, salt, and MSG. Cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the papaya turns transparent.
Add the first extraction of coconut milk and simmer for 5 minutes more.
Correct the seasoning.
You may serve it at this point, unless you want it to have a thicker consistency. In that case, let it simmer on low heat until it reaches the desired consistency.

Variations

You can add shrimp, pork, or chicken to this dish for added protein and flavor. You can also add vegetables like spinach or squash for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh green papaya for the best results. The papaya should be firm and slightly underripe.

- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences. You can add more salt, pepper, or MSG as needed.

- For a thicker sauce, simmer the dish on low heat until it reaches the desired consistency.

- Serve Ginataang Papaya hot with steamed rice for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ginataang Papaya hot with steamed rice for a complete meal. You can also pair it with fried fish or grilled meat for added protein.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the garlic, ginger, and peppercorns to release their flavors before adding the papaya and coconut milk. This will help enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find green papaya, you can use green beans or squash as a substitute. You can also use coconut cream instead of coconut milk for a richer sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This will help save time on busy days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it in a decorative bowl for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Ginataang Papaya with steamed rice, fried fish, or grilled meat for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

20g per serving

Proteins

5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut milk, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Ginataang Papaya is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal option.

Summary

Ginataang Papaya is a delicious and comforting Filipino dish that is perfect for family meals and special occasions. With its creamy coconut milk sauce and tender green papaya, this dish is sure to be a hit with your loved ones. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Ginataang Papaya. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the province. My mother had sent me to the market to buy some vegetables for dinner, and as I wandered through the stalls, I came across a vendor selling the most beautiful green papayas I had ever seen.

I had always loved papayas, but I had never tasted them cooked before. Intrigued, I asked the vendor how she prepared them, and she told me about Ginataang Papaya – a delicious Filipino dish made with papayas cooked in coconut milk. She even gave me a quick rundown of the ingredients and cooking process.

Excited to try something new, I bought a papaya and hurried back home to give the recipe a try. As I gathered the ingredients and started cooking, the kitchen filled with the aroma of coconut milk and spices. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When it was finally ready, I took a bite and was instantly transported to food heaven. The creamy coconut milk paired perfectly with the tender papaya, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying. I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a staple in my cooking repertoire for years to come.

Over the years, I perfected my recipe for Ginataang Papaya, adding my own twist here and there to make it truly my own. I shared it with my family and friends, who all raved about how delicious it was. It became a dish that I would make for special occasions and family gatherings, always bringing smiles to the faces of those who enjoyed it.

As I continued to cook and experiment in the kitchen, I learned that recipes were more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – they were a connection to the past, a way to preserve traditions and memories. Each recipe I learned and mastered was a piece of my heritage, passed down through generations of cooks and food lovers.

I learned to make Ginataang Papaya not just from that vendor at the market, but also from my grandmother, who had her own version of the dish. She taught me the importance of using fresh ingredients and cooking with love and care, passing down her wisdom and knowledge to me so that I could continue the tradition.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, I made sure to pass on the recipe for Ginataang Papaya to my children and grandchildren. I wanted them to experience the same joy and satisfaction that I felt when I first discovered this delicious dish. I wanted them to taste a piece of our culture and heritage, to feel connected to our roots through the food that we cooked and shared together.

And so, the recipe for Ginataang Papaya became more than just a dish – it became a part of who we are as a family. It became a symbol of love, tradition, and togetherness, something that we could always rely on to bring us closer and keep us connected.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen, stirring a pot of Ginataang Papaya for dinner tonight, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe. It's more than just a dish – it's a story, a memory, a tradition that will live on for generations to come. And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of this delicious dish with my loved ones, I know that I am passing on a piece of myself, a piece of my history, through the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal together. And for that, I am truly grateful.