Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa with Curry

Elevate the traditional Filipino favorite, Ginataang Sitaw and Kalabasa, with a flavorful twist of curry that adds an exotic touch to this comforting dish.

Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa is a beloved Filipino dish known for its creamy coconut milk base, tender squash (kalabasa), and string beans (sitaw). This comforting and flavorful dish is a staple in Filipino households, offering a perfect blend of sweetness from the squash and richness from the coconut milk.

Encountering a different version of Ginataang Kalabasa and Sitaw during a visit to a resort restaurant in the Philippines sparked my inspiration to recreate it, and to my delight, I discovered a tantalizing twist: the addition of curry, which infused the dish with an irresistible and enigmatic flavor.

Jump to:

• What is Yardlong Beans?
• What is Kabocha Squash?
• Ingredients
• How to Make Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa with Curry
• Variations
• What to Serve with This?
• Other Recipes that Uses Kabocha Squash
• Other Recipes that Uses Yard Long Beans
• Recipe FAQs
• More Filipino Recipe You'll Love
• 📋 Recipe
• Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa with Curry

What is Yardlong Beans?

Yardlong beans are also known by several other names, including:

• Long beans
• Snake beans
• Chinese long beans
• Asparagus beans
• Pea beans
• Bodhi beans

Yardlong beans are a type of legume prized for their long, slender pods. Unlike traditional green beans, yardlong beans can grow up to 36 inches in length, hence their name. They boast a crisp texture and mild flavor, making them a versatile ingredient in various cuisines, particularly in Asian dishes.

What is Kabocha Squash?

Kabocha squash is a type of winter squash with a sweet, dense flesh and a rich, nutty flavor. It typically has a dark green skin with mottled patches or stripes, and its shape is similar to that of a small pumpkin. Kabocha squash is widely used in cooking due to its versatile nature and is commonly found in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, curries, and roasted vegetable medleys.

Ingredients

• Protein/ Meat: Whether it's beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, or a combination of your preference.
• Kabocha Squash (Kalabasa): This hearty vegetable adds a delightful sweetness and creamy texture to our dish. Plus, it's packed with vitamins and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for our Ginataang Kalabasa and Sitaw.
• String Beans / Yard long beans (Sitaw): These vibrant green string beans bring a lovely crunch and freshness to our dish. They complement the squash perfectly and add a pop of color to the creamy coconut milk sauce. Can't find this type of string beans? That's fine, use any green beans.
• Cooking Oil: Used to sauté our garlic and onion, allowing them to release their delicious flavors and create a flavorful base for our dish. Consider opting for healthier options like avocado, olive, or coconut oil.
• Aromatics: Garlic and Onion are commonly favored in many Filipino dishes.
• Coconut Milk: This adds a tropical twist to our dish.
• Salt and Pepper: To season our dish.
• Beef Powder: This is optional but it's a savory powerhouse that adds a depth of umami-rich flavor to our ginataan.

Now, for the twist that takes our Ginataang Kalabasa and Sitaw to the next level—curry powder! This delightful blend of aromatic spices adds a touch of warmth and complexity to our dish. It brings a subtle hint of curry's signature flavor, elevating the creamy coconut milk sauce with its unique blend of spices.

How to Make Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa with Curry

1. Heat the cooking oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add the protein and cook until almost done. If using shrimp, set it aside.
4. Add the cubed squash and string beans to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Add the curry and chili.
7. Season with beef powder, salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
8. Allow the vegetables to cook until they are tender yet still crisp, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Once the vegetables are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the pot from the heat.
10. Serve the Ginataang Kalabasa and Sitaw hot alongside steamed rice.

Variations

1. Chicken Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa: Include diced chicken for a hearty protein option to make the dish more filling.
2. Spicy Curry Ginataan: Add red chili peppers or cayenne to give the dish a fiery kick that pairs well with coconut milk.
3. Vegan Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa: Skip the curry and add tofu or chickpeas for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
4. Smoked Fish Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa: Incorporate flakes of smoked fish for a smoky, savory depth of flavor.

What to Serve with This?

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The perfect accompaniment to soak up the creamy and flavorful curry sauce.
• Garlic Fried Rice: Add a garlicky aroma and flavor that pairs excellently with the dish's creamy coconut sauce.
• Grilled Tilapia: A simple yet flavorful grilled fish that balances the rich, saucy ginataan.
• Lumpiang Shanghai: Crispy Filipino spring rolls provide a delightful crunch to complement the creamy texture.
• Atchara (Pickled Papaya): Its tangy sweetness contrasts beautifully with the creamy curry flavors.
• Fried Bangus (Milkfish): A crispy, savory fish dish that pairs harmoniously with the mild curry.
• Tortang Talong (Eggplant Omelette): Smoky and savory, this eggplant dish complements the ginataang vegetables beautifully.
• Pandesal: Soft Filipino bread rolls ideal for mopping up the creamy curry sauce.
• Fresh Green Mango Salad: The tartness of green mango adds a refreshing balance to the richness of the dish.
• Crispy Pork Belly: A crunchy and indulgent side that adds texture and flavor contrast to the creamy ginataan.

Other Recipes that Uses Kabocha Squash

Here are some other delicious recipes that feature kabocha squash:

1. Kabocha Squash Soup: A creamy and comforting soup made with pureed kabocha squash, onions, garlic, and a touch of cream or coconut milk. It's perfect for warming up on chilly days.
2. Roasted Kabocha Squash: Simply toss cubed kabocha squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender and caramelized. This makes a tasty side dish or addition to salads and grain bowls.
3. Kabocha Squash Curry: Incorporate kabocha squash into a fragrant curry with coconut milk, curry paste, vegetables, and your choice of protein. The sweetness of the squash balances the spices in the curry beautifully.
4. Kabocha Squash Risotto: Add diced kabocha squash to your favorite risotto recipe for a creamy and flavorful twist. The squash adds a lovely texture and sweetness to the dish.
5. Kabocha Squash Pie: Similar to pumpkin pie, but with a unique twist! Pureed kabocha squash is combined with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, then baked into a flaky pie crust for a delicious dessert option.

Other Recipes that Uses Yard Long Beans

Here are some tasty recipes that feature yardlong beans:

1. Adobong Sitaw: Quickly sauté yardlong beans with garlic, and a splash of soy sauce for a simple and flavorful side dish.
2. Yardlong Bean Curry: Incorporate yardlong beans into a fragrant curry with coconut milk, curry paste, bell peppers, and tofu or chicken for a satisfying main dish.
3. Stir Fried Yardlong Beans: Add bacon and it's heaven!

Recipe FAQs

More Filipino Recipe You'll Love

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