Try this delicious Banana Heart Recipe (Ginataang Puso ng Saging)! This is the classic Filipino dish made vegan, and in English translated banana blossoms cooked in coconut milk. It's quick, easy, and perfect for lunch or as a side dish!
Looking for more Filipino Recipes like this? Try my easy Ginisang Sayote or my Adobong Kangkong.
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What is Banana Heart Recipe?
This recipe, Banana Heart also known as Ginataang Puso ng Saging's main ingredient is the banana blossom, also known as banana heart. This is an authentic and creative Filipino dish enjoyed by most Filipinos and it's budget-friendly.
How do you cook banana blossoms (banana hearts)?
The banana blossom is usually boiled and softened, then sliced finely. If you've tried artichoke hearts, it's almost similar in preparation.
There are so many ways Ginataang puso ng saging can be cooked like adding chilis, or even a bit of turmeric for that unique kick of spice or just the simple coconut milk with onion, ginger, and salt.
One of my favorite ways to eat this is with steamed rice, but non-vegetarian friends and family enjoy it with grilled fish or meat.
Health Benefits of Banana Hearts
Puso ng Saging (banana blossoms)
- Loaded with potassium which helps our heartbeat in a normal state
- Good source of antioxidants
- Great source of Vitamins A, C, and E
- Has a huge nutritional value because of the flavonoids, amino acids and fatty acids which the body needs
Variations
- Remove the chili peppers if you don't want it spicy at all.
- Add Protein: Incorporate protein sources such as tofu, tempeh, or seitan to make the dish more filling and nutritious. These additions can complement the creamy coconut milk base and add texture to the dish.
- Do you love mung bean sprouts? You can add a cup of it to this recipe.
- If you are avoiding salt, you can use mushroom seasoning. You can find this at your local asian market or Trader Joes
- Add some peanut sauce before taking it off the stove and you now have a Vegan Ginataang Kare-Kare na Puso ng Saging. An easy and delicious twist!
- Enhance the flavor by adding a squeeze of lime and garnish with cilantro before serving.
Substitution
- Oils: If you don't have coconut oil, use any flavorless oil like vegetable or canola oil.
- Coconut cream: If you want it creamier, you can substitute coconut milk with coconut cream or a combination of coconut cream and coconut milk.
- Banana Blossom: If banana blossom is not available, you can substitute it with other vegetables such as young jackfruit (langka) or bamboo shoots. These alternatives can offer a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the dish well.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it, stirring occasionally, until warmed to your liking.
Ingredients
These are the ingredients that you will need:
- coconut oil
- vegetarian fish sauce (optional)
- red onion
- garlic
- ginger
- red tomato
- puso ng saging (banana blossoms)
- chili peppers
- coconut milk
In a saucepan over medium low heat, preheat oil and saute onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes until translucent:
Next, add the puso ng saging (banana blossoms) and saute for about 1 minute:
Then cover with a lid for about 3 minutes periodically checking if the puso ng saging is cooked. To check if it’s cooked the puso ng saging will be soft.
Now it's time to add salt, pepper, and mix:
Add soy sauce to taste. You can also add a bit of vegetarian fish sauce but make sure to taste it before adding because it might make the dish too salty:
Add chili peppers and cook for 1 minute then add coconut milk:
Allow it to simmer for 4 minutes:
Here you go, Simply Bakers! Place in a medium bowl and serve with steamed rice!
Hint: To keep the banana blossoms from browning after slicing them, soak it in water squeezed with a bit of lemon juice or calamansi juice.
Frequently Asked Questions
More delicious vegan Filipino recipes:
Banana Heart Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 small red onion finely diced
- 4-5 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger minced
- 1 small red tomato cubed
- 300 grams banana blossoms minced
- 2 teaspoons vegetarian fish sauce optional
- 2 chili peppers minced
- ¾ cups coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, preheat oil and saute onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes until translucent.
- Next, add the puso ng saging (banana blossoms) and saute for about 1 minutes. (If you like the fish taste, add the vegetarian fish sauce.) Then cover with a lid for about 3 minutes peridoically checking if the puso ng saging are cooked. To check if it’s cooked the puso ng saging will be soft.
- Add chili peppers and cook for 1 minute, then add coconut milk simmer for 4 minutes.
- Add salt, pepper and mix.
- Best served with steamed rice.
Yoyo_Lon says
Simply lovely! I've made this a few times with tinned banana blossom (can't get fresh banana blossom where I am in England). I often add soya chunks or seasonal vegetables.
Thanks for posting a great, tasty, and easy recipe. 🙂
Lainey says
Hello there,
It's my pleasure to share. Thank you for your kinds words. I appreciate it! It's good to know that you like this recipe. Are you a fan of banana blossom recipes?
Lainey says
Thank you so much, Yoyo! 😊 I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed the recipe, even with tinned banana blossom—it's great that you found a way to make it work! Adding soya chunks and seasonal veggies sounds like a delicious twist. Thanks for sharing, and happy cooking from across the globe! 🌏🍲
Elie W says
This was so easy to make. I followed the recipe to the T and it came out perfectly! Ate it with steamed rice and some sriracha.
Lainey says
Well done! Thank you, Elie, for making this recipe. I appreciate it!