Mixed vegetables simmered gently in coconut milk with a little shrimp paste, a simple, comforting Filipino vegetable stew.
Ginataang gulay
- 400 ml coconut milk
- 1 tbsp bagoong (shrimp paste), or fish sauce to taste
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 200 g squash or sweet potato, cubed
- 150 g green beans, trimmed
- 100 g water spinach or spinach
- 1 to 2 green chillies
- 1 tbsp oil
- Heat the oil and fry the garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add the squash or sweet potato and stir to coat.
- Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer until the squash is nearly tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add the green beans and simmer for a further 5 minutes.
- Stir in the bagoong or fish sauce, add the leafy greens and chillies, and simmer for 2 more minutes before serving with rice.
What is ginataang gulay?
Ginataang gulay means vegetables cooked in coconut milk. Squash and long beans are the most common pair, simmered in coconut milk with garlic, onion and a little shrimp paste or fish sauce until the sauce turns thick and creamy.
Cooking in coconut milk (gata) is common across the Philippines, especially in the Bicol region. The dish is mild, sweet and savoury and is eaten with rice.
Ingredient notes and UK swaps
- Squash: kabocha or butternut squash in small cubes.
- Long beans: fine green beans are a good swap.
- Coconut milk: full fat tins give the creamiest sauce.
- Seasoning: shrimp paste (bagoong) is traditional. Fish sauce works, and soy sauce keeps it vegetarian.
Serving and storing
Serve with steamed rice and fried fish or grilled meat. Leftovers keep for 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently over a low heat so the coconut milk does not split.
Tips for the best ginataang gulay
- Simmer gently rather than boiling hard, so the coconut milk does not split.
- Add the leafy greens last, so they stay bright and just wilted.
Keeping the coconut milk from splitting
Simmer gently rather than at a hard boil once the coconut milk goes in, a vigorous boil is the main reason coconut-based stews sometimes split or turn grainy rather than staying smooth.
Adding protein
A little dried shrimp or shredded chicken can be added alongside the vegetables for a heartier version, though the dish is traditionally simple and vegetable-forward on its own.
Frequently asked questions
Is ginataang gulay vegetarian?
It can be made vegetarian by using salt or a vegetarian fish sauce substitute instead of bagoong or fish sauce.
What vegetables work best in ginataang gulay?
Squash, sweet potato, green beans, aubergine and leafy greens are all common, use what you have.
Can I add chilli?
Yes. A sliced green or red chilli added with the onions gives a gentle heat, as in the Bicol style.
