Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw

There’s just something so comforting about anything you cook in coconut milk. Warm and nutty, this ingredient brings a refreshing kick to any dish you add it to. And Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw (string beans and squash cooked in coconut milk) is no exception –– delightfully sweet and savory, this is a dish everyone will enjoy.

Ginataan refers to any dish cooked in delicious coconut milk. It is scrumptiously creamy and brings a delightful twist to the fresh and bright tastes of the vegetables we already know and love. Ginataan is particularly popular in places like the Bicol region. Bicolanos love two things in their food: coconut milk and lots of spice! With dishes like laing and Bicol Express under their belt, it’s no surprise that these people really go nuts for coconuts.

Vegetarian Option

Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw is also great for those who are looking into vegetarian or vegan diets! Filipinos are great meat eaters, it’s true –– we love the hearty and filling taste of beef, pork, or chicken that melts in our mouth. Living on an archipelago, our love of seafood also can’t be understated; some even enjoy this recipe with shrimp! But for those who want to eat a little healthier, Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw is a wonderful option, especially if you’re craving that sweet coconut milk taste. To make it completely vegan or vegetarian, feel free to take the pork cube out of this recipe, too.

Nutritional Value of Sitaw

Sitaw is also chock full of nutrients. It is one of the few ingredients that contains no cholesterol, which assists in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes! Its low sodium content also helps regulate your blood levels, in order to keep blood pressure intact. Rich in protein and and fiber, string beans are ideal for keeping your body healthy and happy. And combined with delectable coconut milk? It’s a heavenly (and healthy) combination! 

This Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw recipe is easy and concise; the whole cooking process only takes about less than half an hour! You need not be an experienced cook to whip up this delicious recipe from the comfort of your own home. Try this ginataang sitaw and kalabasa recipe today!

The Sweet Versions of Ginataan

While ginataan works well as a twist to savory dishes like Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw, it’s also great in sweet treats, too! With glutinous rice, tapioca pearls and sago, ginataang halo-halo is a popular dessert across regions, from Ilocos all the way to Bicol. Corn cooked in coconut milk (ginataang mais) is also a famous treat, hearty snack, perfect for the afternoons and refreshing during the summertime.

How to Cook It

Before starting to cook your Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw, it’s absolutely important that you prepare all of your ingredients. Take the string beans or sitaw and slice them into pieces, about 2 inches long. Cube the squash or kalabasa as well. Other ingredients that may also require preparation include your onions (chopped), ginger (cut into strips), and garlic (crushed).

Cook the pork until it browns

Let’s begin with this Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw recipe! In a cooking pan, heat the oil, then add the pork and cook until brown and the skin gets crispy (use boiled pork belly for best results).

Saute the aromatics

Toss in your garlic, onion, and ginger. Sauté these spices and flavorings together until your onion begins to soften.

Cook the pork in coconut milk

Once it has, pour 4 cups of coconut milk into the pan and stir. Cover the pan and let the liquid cook by itself. Once it’s brought to a boil, bring the heat down to a medium and let it boil for another 5 minutes.

Add the vegetables

Add in a piece of Knorr Pork Cube and the squash you had cut into cubes prior. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Then, add in the sitaw to your Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw! Once your string beans are in the pan, let your mixture cook for another 5 to 8 minutes. Again, make sure that you’re cooking your Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw at medium heat. We don’t want our dish to overcook, or for the crisp veggies to become too soft.

Season it and serve!

Season your Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw with ground black pepper and patis. Although this recipe calls for a quarter teaspoon of the former, you can always adjust this according to your preference. Mix and incorporate all the ingredients of your ginataang kalabasa and sitaw well –– and just like that, your dish is ready!

Transfer your Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw to a serving plate and enjoy it with a heaping bowl of warm rice. The smell alone will be mouthwatering –– even more so the taste! When your warm white rice starts to absorb the yummy coconut milk, you’ll be begging for more.

Share and enjoy this Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw with your loved ones, and let us know what you think of this recipe!