Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw

Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw refers to calabaza squash and string beans cooked in coconut milk. It is creamy and it brings a delightful twist to the fresh and bright flavors 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.

How to Cook It

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

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).

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

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 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 your dish 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.

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

Nutritional Value

Sitaw is also full of nutrients. It is one of the few ingredients that does not contain 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, it is also great in sweet treats, too!

Ginataang Halo-halo (Binignit): With glutinous rice, tapioca pearls and sago, ginataang halo-halo is a popular dessert across regions, from Ilocos all the way to Bicol.

Ginataang Mais: Corn cooked in coconut milk is also a famous treat, hearty snack, perfect for the afternoons and refreshing during the summertime.

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

Watch How to Cook Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw