Image Source by Bebs and Armin
Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw is a comforting and classic one-pot Filipino dish made with pumpkin, green beans and coconut milk.
Serve it over steamed rice for an easy weeknight dinner that comes together with minimal effort.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe is naturally comforting, affordable and full of flavour. The pumpkin softens into the creamy coconut broth, while garlic, ginger and fish sauce add depth and warmth to every bite.
We recommend adding thinly sliced pork for a heartier meal, but you can easily make it vegetarian by leaving the pork out.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- Pumpkin: 700g, cubed
- Green beans: 250g, trimmed and cut into smaller pieces
- Pork loin or fillet: 250g, thinly sliced
- Coconut milk: 400ml
- Chicken stock: 250ml
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 thumb, julienned
- Fish sauce: 1-2 tbsp, to taste
- Ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
Image Source by Bebs and Armin from FoxyFolksy.com
Step-by-step instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant.
- Cook the protein (optional): If you’re using pork, add it to the pan and cook until lightly browned.
- Simmer the vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium and add the pumpkin. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften slightly. Pour in the coconut milk and stock, then allow the vegetables to gently simmer for a further 5 minutes.
- Add the green beans: Add beans and cook for another 5 minutes, or until both vegetables are tender.
- Season to taste: Add fish sauce and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to reach your preferred taste.
- Serve: Serve over steamed rice.
Tips for success
For a thicker sauce
Let the stew simmer a little longer to reduce the liquid, or mash a few cooked pumpkin pieces into the broth for a creamier consistency.
For extra spice
Add sliced green chillies for a gentle kick without overpowering the dish
For a quick flavour boost
Use a shrimp paste or cube if you want extra savoury flavour.
To elevate it: Swap the sliced pork for pork belly. It adds a more indulgent feel and brings an extra richness to the coconut broth.
Key takeaway
Simple meals can still feel special. This comforting Filipino coconut pumpkin stew shows how a few everyday ingredients can come together to create a hearty, nourishing meal that’s easy to make at home.
Your wellbeing, your way
Eating well doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Recipes like this make healthy home cooking realistic, even on your busiest days. From nutritious food ideas to wellbeing resources that fit your lifestyle, WHEREFIT can help you find options that work for your routine, your budget and your wellbeing.