Searching for a simple side dish that is all out flavor? Attempt Ginataang Puso ng Saging made with banana heart, pork, coconut milk, and stew peppers. It’s rich, delicious, and the ideal pair to barbecued meat or fish.
Table Of Contents
⦁ How to Prepare Banana Heart:
⦁ Ingredient notes
⦁ How to serve and store
⦁ More ginataang recipes
⦁ Ginataang Puso ng Saging
Puso ng saging, or banana blossom, is one of my favorite things to cook. In fact, you’ll find a good few recipes on the blog made with this vegetable and each one is as delicious as the other.
In the mood for juicy burgers? Banana heart makes a fantastic meatless option. Want a new twist on lumpia? This lumpiang puso ng saging is seriously addictive! Looking for a delicious vegetable dish? Kilawing puso ng saging is a must-try!
To add to our list of banana blossom recipes is my newest favorite, ginataang puso ng saving. If you’re looking for an easy vegetable side dish that’s full of flavor, this is it!
This sauteed banana heart with tender pork and coconut sauce is sure to hit the spot! It’s creamy, spicy, and pairs well with your favorite grilled meat or fish.
This creamy banana heart stir-fry is quick and easy to make and most of the work involved is preparing the banana heart which needs to be salted to rid of its acrid sap.
How to Prepare Banana Heart
⦁ Remove and discard the fibrous outer layers and the yellow flowers (“baby bananas”) until you reach the pale, softer core.
⦁ Using a knife cut and discards the stem portion.
⦁ Cut vertically into two halves.
⦁ Slice each half thinly.
⦁ In a bowl, place shredded banana heart and about 2 tablespoons rock salt. Let sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. Squeeze well to dispel liquid and rinse a few times under cold, running water to remove saltiness.
⦁ Place in a bowl of cold water until ready to use to keep from discoloring.
Ingredient notes
⦁ Four pounds of banana heart may sound a lot, but once you peel the outer layer and get to the edible core, you’ll yield roughly four to five cups of shredded puso.
⦁ The recipe calls for pork belly which cooks to melt-in-your tender and brings plenty of flavors. You can also use shrimp or flaked tinapa for a switch up in protein.
⦁ I used two Thai chili peppers (sili labuyo) to spice things up but feel free to use more or less according to taste.
How to serve and store
⦁ Ginataang puso ng saging is delicious for lunch or dinner with steamed rice and grilled or fried fish.
⦁ As the dish contains coconut milk, it spoils quicker than most foods. For food safety, do not leave outside of refrigeration for more than two hours.
⦁ Transfer leftovers to a container with a lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
⦁ Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave at 2 to 3 -minute intervals until completely heated through.
Ginataang Puso ng Saging
Rock your tastebuds with creamy Ginataang Puso ng Saging! It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and a tasty side dish to grilled meat or fish.
Instructions
⦁ Peel and discard the outer, fibrous skin layers of banana heart until you reach the lighter, softer core.
⦁ Trim off the stem and discard. Cut into half and slice thinly.
⦁ In a large bowl, place the shredded banana heart and rock salt. Let stand for about 10 to 15 minutes or until it begins to release liquid. Using hands, squeeze to release bitter sap. Rinse very well with cold water and drain.
⦁ In a wide pan over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and garlic and cook until softened.
⦁ Add pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
⦁ Add fish sauce and continue to cook for about 1 to 2 minutes.
⦁ Add banana heart. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 5 minutes or until releases liquid.
⦁ Add coconut milk and chili peppers. Lower heat, covers, and continues to cook for about 15 to 20 minutes or until vegetable is tender, pork is cooked through, and sauce is thickened.
⦁ Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
FAQ Ginataang Puso ng Saging
Q: What is Ginataang Puso ng Saging?
A: Ginataang Puso ng Saging is a Filipino dish made from banana heart or banana blossom, which is the tender part found at the center of a banana tree’s trunk. It is cooked in coconut milk (gata) along with various ingredients to create a flavorful and creamy dish.
Q: How is Ginataang Puso ng Saging prepared?
A: Here’s a common way to prepare Ginataang Puso ng Saging:
- Start by preparing the banana heart. Remove the outer layers and chop off the tough ends. Take the tender part or the core, known as the “puso ng saging,” and thinly slice it.
- Place the sliced banana heart in a bowl of water with a little salt to prevent discoloration. Let it soak for a few minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a pot or pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onions, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the sliced banana heart to the pot and stir-fry for a few minutes until slightly tender.
- Pour in coconut milk (gata) and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until the banana heart is fully cooked and tender.
- Add additional ingredients according to your preference. Common additions include sliced chili peppers for a bit of heat, sliced pork or shrimp for added protein, and various vegetables like string beans or spinach.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a little fish sauce (patis) or shrimp paste (bagoong) for extra flavor if desired.
- Continue simmering for a few more minutes until all the flavors are well combined, and the vegetables are cooked to your liking.
- Once the dish is cooked, you can optionally garnish it with chopped spring onions or cilantro for freshness.
- Serve Ginataang Puso ng Saging hot with steamed rice. It makes a delicious and satisfying main dish or can be enjoyed as a side dish to accompany other Filipino meals.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to Ginataang Puso ng Saging?
A: Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding other ingredients based on your preferences. Some variations include adding sliced pork, shrimp, or even crab meat for added protein. You can also incorporate different vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, or spinach to enhance the flavors and textures. Feel free to experiment and adapt the recipe to suit your taste.
Q: Are there any regional variations of Ginataang Puso ng Saging?
A: While the basic preparation remains similar, there might be slight regional variations in terms of additional ingredients and seasoning. Some regions in the Philippines may use specific local ingredients or spices to give the dish a unique twist. The overall concept of cooking the banana heart in coconut milk remains the same, but the variations add regional flavors and preferences to the dish.