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Ginataang Puso ng Saging in a bowl.
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Ginataang Puso ng Saging

Banana blossoms cooked in coconut milk, shrimp paste, and chilies.
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Filipino
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 276kcal
Author Nora Rey
Cost $12-$15

Equipment

  • Wok or wide pan

Ingredients

  • 2 large banana blossoms (puso ng saging)
  • 8 ounces shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 8 ounces pork belly or shoulder sliced
  • 2 tablespoons julienned ginger
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 tablespoon shrimp paste raw or sautéed
  • 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk
  • 2 red or green chilies whole or sliced
  • Fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste
  • Neutral oil

Instructions

  • Remove the tough outer layers and yellow flowers from the banana blossoms. Trim the stem and thinly slice the tender center.
  • Soak in water with vinegar or lemon juice. If very sappy, rub gently with coarse salt. Keep submerged until needed.
  • Season and quickly sear the shrimp in oil until they change color. Transfer to a plate.
  • Cook the pork with a splash of water until browned and slightly crisp. Add oil only if needed.
  • Add the ginger, followed by the garlic and onion. Cook until softened, then stir in the shrimp paste.
  • Pour in the coconut milk and scrape up any browned bits. Let it simmer over medium-low heat.
  • Drain and rinse the banana blossoms, then squeeze out the extra water. Add them with the chilies and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until tender.
  • Return the shrimp to the pan. Season to taste with fish sauce, salt if needed, and pepper. Add water or coconut milk if the sauce is too thick.

Notes

  • Banana blossoms (puso ng saging): You will need 2 large blossoms.
  • Proteins: Use pork belly and shrimp, or substitute chicken or tofu.
  • Shrimp paste: Use raw or sautéed. Smoked or dried fish will also work.

Nutrition

Calories: 276kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 631mg | Potassium: 340mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 144IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg