Ginataang Puso ng Saging

Ginataang Puso ng Saging Recipe - Vegetarian Filipino Dish

Region / culture: Philippines | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Ginataang Puso ng Saging is a Filipino dish made with banana blossoms cooked in coconut milk. It is a creamy and flavorful dish that is often served as a side dish or main course.

History

This traditional Filipino dish has been enjoyed for generations, with the banana blossoms being a staple ingredient in Filipino cuisine. The dish is known for its rich and creamy coconut milk base, which adds a delicious flavor to the tender banana blossoms.

Ingredients

2 banana blossoms (10 oz / 283 g, drained)
1 cup pure coconut milk
2 tbsp vinegar (if using 5% acidity vinegar, try 1:1 vinegar/water)
0.25 cup sliced tomatoes
0.25 cup sliced onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 dried red chillies (optional for slight spiciness)
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

If using fresh banana blossoms (puso ng saging): remove the tough covering of the blossoms.
Slice the blossoms thinly.
Add 2 tbsp of salt and squeeze off the bitter juice.
Rinse the blossoms in water and squeeze them dry.
Set the blossoms aside.
If using canned banana blossoms (puso ng saging): drain, rinse, and drain again.
Slice the blossoms thinly.
Set the blossoms aside.
Heat oil in a skillet. If using dried red chillies, add them when the oil is hot but not smoking and let the skins darken somewhat before adding the garlic.
Saute the garlic until it turns light brown.
Add the onion and fry until translucent, then add the tomatoes.
Cook for approximately 3 minutes.
Add the banana blossoms and the vinegar/water mixture, then bring it to a boil without stirring.
Simmer for about 3 minutes.
Add salt and pepper to taste, and stir.
Continue to cook until the banana blossoms are tender.
Add pure coconut milk and remove from heat.
Let it stand for a few minutes to help develop the flavors.

Variations

Add shrimp or pork for added protein
Include other vegetables such as green beans or spinach for added nutrition
Use different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When preparing fresh banana blossoms, be sure to remove the tough covering and rinse them thoroughly to remove any bitterness.

- If using canned banana blossoms, be sure to drain and rinse them well before adding them to the dish.

- Adding dried red chillies can give the dish a slight spiciness, but they are optional depending on your preference.

- Be sure to simmer the dish until the banana blossoms are tender to ensure they are cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served as a side dish with steamed rice or as a main course with other Filipino dishes.

Cooking Techniques

Sauteeing the garlic, onion, and tomatoes before adding the banana blossoms helps to develop the flavors of the dish.

- Simmering the dish allows the banana blossoms to cook through and absorb the flavors of the coconut milk.

Ingredient Substitutions

If banana blossoms are not available, you can substitute with other vegetables such as green beans or spinach.

- You can use light coconut milk for a lower-fat option.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve with steamed rice and other Filipino dishes such as adobo or sinigang for a complete 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

Calories: 150 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

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

Summary

Ginataang Puso ng Saging is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals, while also being a good source of carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Ginataang Puso ng Saging is a delicious and nutritious Filipino dish made with banana blossoms cooked in coconut milk. It is a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for serving as a side dish or main course.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold dear in my heart. It all started when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a wonderful cook who always had a way of making the most delicious meals out of simple ingredients.

One day, as I watched her prepare our family’s favorite dish, Ginataang Puso ng Saging, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the unique combination of flavors and textures. I asked her where she learned to make such a dish, and she smiled as she told me the story of how she first discovered the recipe.

Many years ago, when she was just a young bride, my grandmother had moved to a small village in the province. She didn’t know how to cook much back then, but she was determined to learn. So she sought out the help of the village elders, who were known for their culinary skills.

One day, she was invited to a gathering where the women of the village were preparing a special feast. As she watched them cook, she noticed one woman in particular who seemed to have a way with ingredients. She was chopping up a strange-looking vegetable that my grandmother had never seen before – the heart of a banana tree, or Puso ng Saging.

Intrigued, my grandmother asked the woman what she was making. The woman smiled and explained that she was preparing Ginataang Puso ng Saging – a traditional Filipino dish made with coconut milk, shrimp, and the heart of a banana tree.

My grandmother was fascinated by the recipe and begged the woman to teach her how to make it. The woman agreed, and together they spent the afternoon cooking and chatting. My grandmother learned all the secrets to making the dish just right – from how to properly clean and prepare the Puso ng Saging, to the perfect balance of flavors in the coconut milk sauce.

As they sat down to eat the finished dish, my grandmother was amazed by how delicious it was. The creamy coconut milk paired perfectly with the tender heart of the banana tree and the succulent shrimp. It was a dish unlike anything she had ever tasted before, and she knew she had to learn how to make it herself.

From that day on, my grandmother became known in the village for her delicious Ginataang Puso ng Saging. She would often cook it for special occasions and gatherings, always sharing the recipe with anyone who asked.

As I listened to her story, I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish myself. So I watched and helped my grandmother as she made it time and time again, until I had mastered the recipe myself.

Now, whenever I make Ginataang Puso ng Saging for my own family, I can’t help but think back to that happy memory of discovering the recipe for the first time. It’s a dish that brings me joy and reminds me of the love and tradition that has been passed down through the generations. And I know that one day, I will pass it on to my own grandchildren, just like my grandmother did for me.