Ginataang Puso ng Saging (Creamy Coconut Banana Heart Stew)

Name: Ginataang Puso ng Saging (Creamy Coconut Banana Heart Stew)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 serving
Ingredients: 2 large banana hearts; ½ pound pork belly; 1 can; 1 medium onion; 3 cloves garlic; 2 Thai chili peppers; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; salt; 2 tablespoons rock salt; 1 tablespoon cooking oil

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Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings
6
Calories
362 kcal
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
Filipino

Ginataang Puso ng Saging (Creamy Coconut Banana Heart Stew)

Iris Warren

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Ginataang Puso ng Saging is a rustic Filipino dish that transforms banana heart into a luxurious coconut milk stew. The tender, pale strips of banana blossom are gently simmered with diced pork belly in creamy coconut milk, seasoned with fish sauce and brightened with chili peppers. This sustainable recipe, born from Filipino frugality and culinary wisdom, turns what many consider a throwaway part of the banana tree into a comforting dish that perfectly balances delicate vegetal flavors with rich, savory notes.

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Ingredients

Servings

For the Main Dish:

2 large banana hearts puso ng saging - about 4 pounds
½ pound pork belly liempo, diced
1 can 13.5 oz coconut milk (gata)
1 medium onion sibuyas, chopped
3 cloves garlic bawang, minced
2 Thai chili peppers siling labuyo, optional
1 tablespoon fish sauce patis
salt asin and pepper (paminta) to taste

For Preparation:

2 tablespoons rock salt asin
1 tablespoon cooking oil

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Instructions

First, prepare your banana heart by peeling off all the dark purple outer layers until you reach the pale white core. Cut off the stem, then slice the heart in half lengthwise. Slice each half into very thin pieces, about as thick as a peso coin. Put all the sliced banana heart in a large bowl and mix with 2 tablespoons of rock salt. Let this sit for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, squeeze the banana heart firmly with your hands to remove the bitter liquid, then rinse well with cold water until the water runs clear.
Heat your pan over medium heat and add oil. Once hot, cook your chopped onions until they turn clear, about 2-3 minutes. Add your minced garlic and cook just until you can smell its aroma, about 30 seconds. Add your diced pork belly and cook until the meat turns light brown, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.
Add fish sauce and stir everything for one minute. Now add your prepared banana heart and stir to mix well with the pork. Pour in your coconut milk and add the chili peppers if you're using them. Lower the heat to the lowest setting - this is very important so your coconut milk won't separate.
Cover your pan and let everything cook gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring every few minutes to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. Your dish is ready when the banana heart is tender when pierced with a fork, but still has a slight bite to it, and the sauce has become creamy and slightly thick. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should be rich and creamy, perfect for pouring over hot rice. Serve while hot.
Remember: If your sauce starts to separate or look grainy, your heat is too high. Keep it at a very gentle simmer throughout the cooking process. Your patience will be rewarded with a perfectly creamy sauce.

Notes

Choose banana hearts that feel heavy for their size
Look for tight, purple outer leaves without brown spots
Keep prepared banana heart in cold water to prevent browning
Never boil coconut milk - gentle simmer only to prevent curdling
Add coconut cream (kakang gata) at the end for extra richness
For best results, use native coconut milk (gata ng niyog)

Nutrition Information

Show Details

Calories 362kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 37g (57%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g Monounsaturated Fat 11g Trans Fat 0.01g Cholesterol 27mg (9%) Sodium 257mg (11%) Potassium 262mg (7%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 0.3g (1%) Vitamin A 16IU (0%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 8mg (1%) Iron 2.7mg (15%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 362 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories	362kcal	18%
Carbohydrates	4g	1%
Protein	5g	10%
Fat	37g	57%
Saturated Fat	8g	40%
Polyunsaturated Fat	3g	18%
Monounsaturated Fat	11g	55%
Trans Fat	0.01g	1%
Cholesterol	27mg	9%
Sodium	257mg	11%
Potassium	262mg	6%
Fiber	2g	8%
Sugar	0.3g	1%
Vitamin A	16IU	0%
Vitamin C	3mg	3%
Calcium	8mg	1%
Iron	2.7mg	15%