Ginataang papaya is a healthy, creamy, and heartwarming Filipino dish. It's made of green papaya slices with coconut cream, chili, and seasonings. It can be cooked in just a few minutes and can be enjoyed any time of the year!
My vegan binakol and lentil soup recipes are also must-try Filipino veggie dishes!
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ginataang papaya recipe is a beginner-friendly vegan dish that uses simple ingredients. It is pleasantly creamy, healthy, and packed with fiber and vitamin C. It's also good for overall wellness and digestion.
The Story Behind Ginataang Papaya
Green papaya and coconut milk are popular ingredients in the Philippines. Filipinos love creating "ginataan" or coconut milk dishes. This ginataang papaya recipe showcases both traditions in one simple, hearty dish.
Where Ginataang Papaya Comes From
It was first created in the Philippines. Filipinos combined their love for coconut milk and green papaya to make this dish.
When is this Dish Typically Enjoyed?
This savory meal can be enjoyed any time of the year. People mostly have it during rainy days and cold evenings. You can have it next to hot rice at lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- oil
- garlic
- onion
- tomatoes
- green papaya
- water
- coconut cream
- chilis
- salt
- mushroom seasoning
- black pepper
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Then, add the garlic, onion, and tomatoes.
Cook until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
Cook the Green Papaya
Add the sliced green papaya and sauté for 2 minutes.
Cover the pan and let the papaya soften slightly. Then, pour in the water and cover again.
Simmer until the papaya is tender, adding more water if needed.
Season the Dish
Add salt, mushroom seasoning, and black pepper.
Stir gently and taste the sauce. Then, adjust the seasoning as needed.
Add the Coconut Cream
Pour in the coconut cream and simmer gently for about 2 minutes while stirring carefully.
Do not let the coconut cream boil.
Finish and Serve
Add the chilis. Then, turn off the heat.
Serve warm with steamed rice and enjoy!
Substitutions & Variations
- Ingredient Swap
Replace coconut cream with full-fat coconut cream. - Variation
For a mild dish, skip using chilis.
You may add malunggay leaves to this dish if desired. - Mistake to Avoid
Avoid using ripe papaya. It's too soft and sweet when cooked.
Storage Tip
- Store this dish in an airtight container. Then, refrigerate for up to 3 days or put in the freezer for 1 month. Just reheat it gently before eating again.
FAQs
BEST Ginataang Papaya
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 tomatoes sliced
- 1 medium green papaya peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup coconut cream
- 3 chilis
- salt to taste
- mushroom seasoning to taste, optional
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the garlic, onion, and tomatoes.
- Cook until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
Cook the Green Papaya
- Add the sliced green papaya and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Cover the pan and let the papaya soften slightly.
- Pour in the water and cover again.
- Simmer until the papaya is tender, adding more water if needed.
Season the Dish
- Add salt, mushroom seasoning, and black pepper.
- Stir gently and taste the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Add the Coconut Cream
- Pour in the coconut cream.
- Simmer gently for about 2 minutes while stirring carefully.
- Do not let the coconut cream boil too strongly.
Finish and Serve
- Add the chilis. Then, turn off the heat.
- Serve warm with steamed rice.
Notes
- Use green papaya for the best texture.
- Do not overcook after adding coconut cream to prevent curdling.
Watch The Recipe Video!
You Might Also Like:
Recipes for Every Moment
Want to go meat-free for dinner? In 25 minutes, you can have this ginataang papaya. It will add warmth and satisfaction to your mealtime!
Leave a Reply