Ginataang Kalabasa

Ingredients

• Water (1 cup)
• Cooking oil (2 tablespoons)
• Salt (to taste)
• Green chili pepper (1, sliced)
• Fresh ginger (1-inch piece, minced)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Onion (1 medium, chopped)
• Shrimp paste (bagoong) (2 tablespoons)
• Coconut milk (1 can (400ml))
• Kalabasa (squash) (4 cups, peeled and cubed)

Instructions

1. In a large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the pan. Sauté until the mixture is fragrant and the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the shrimp paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the umami flavor to deepen.
4. Add the cubed kalabasa (squash) to the pan, stirring occasionally for about 2-3 minutes until lightly coated.
5. Pour in the coconut milk and water, then bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
7. Add the sliced green chili pepper and season with salt to taste. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
8. Remove from heat and serve hot, ideally with a steaming bowl of rice.