Why You’ll Love Ginisang Gulay Recipe
This recipe is quick enough for busy weekdays, yet hearty enough to feel complete and nourishing. It makes great use of fresh vegetables, creating a dish that is colorful, wholesome, and full of texture. The combination of tender squash, silky eggplant, crisp-tender beans, and the distinct flavor of ampalaya gives it a balanced and satisfying character. It is also budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and adaptable based on what vegetables you have on hand.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 medium bitter gourd (ampalaya), cored and sliced
6 to 8 pieces okra
1 cup sliced tomatoes
8 pieces string beans, sliced into 2-inch pieces
1 Chinese eggplant
3/4 cup vegetable broth
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
1 1/2 cups cubed calabaza squash
4 cloves garlic, crushed
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons cooking oil
Directions
Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
Sauté the garlic and onion until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.
Add the sliced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
Stir in the calabaza squash and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add the eggplant, okra, string beans, and bitter gourd. Stir-fry everything together for 3 minutes.
Pour in the vegetable broth, then cover the pan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
Remove the cover and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer to a serving plate and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 3 servings.
Preparation and cooking time takes about 23 minutes total, making it a practical choice for a quick lunch or dinner.
Variations
You can make this dish more filling by adding tofu or small pieces of pork, shrimp, or chicken. For a deeper savory flavor, a small amount of fish sauce can be added in place of some of the salt. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of bitter gourd or soak it briefly in salted water before cooking. You can also swap in other vegetables such as chayote, cabbage, spinach, or zucchini depending on what is available.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the vegetables in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them from drying out. You can also reheat them in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
For best texture, avoid overcooking during reheating, since the vegetables can become too soft.
FAQs
What is Ginisang Gulay?
Ginisang Gulay is a Filipino sautéed vegetable dish made by cooking mixed vegetables with garlic, onion, tomatoes, and a small amount of broth until tender.
Is Ginisang Gulay healthy?
Yes, it is a vegetable-rich dish that is naturally full of nutrients and can be a wholesome addition to a balanced meal.
What does ampalaya taste like?
Ampalaya, or bitter gourd, has a distinct bitter flavor. When cooked with other vegetables, its bitterness becomes more balanced and blends well with the dish.
How can I reduce the bitterness of the ampalaya?
You can soak the sliced ampalaya in salted water for a few minutes, then rinse and drain it before cooking. This can help mellow its strong bitter taste.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Yes, tofu, shrimp, chicken, or pork can all be added to make the dish more substantial while still keeping the vegetables as the main focus.
Can I use water instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, water can be used if you do not have vegetable broth, though the dish may have a slightly lighter flavor.
How do I keep the vegetables from getting too soft?
Cook the vegetables just until tender and avoid leaving them covered for too long. Adding firmer vegetables first also helps maintain a good texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator. It reheats well, though the vegetables are best when not overcooked.
What can I serve with Ginisang Gulay?
It is commonly served with steamed rice and pairs well with grilled, fried, or braised meat and fish dishes.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this version is vegetarian because it uses vegetable broth and contains no meat or seafood.
Conclusion
Ginisang Gulay is a wonderfully simple dish that proves everyday vegetables can be both delicious and comforting. With its quick cooking time, fresh ingredients, and flexible nature, it is a reliable recipe for busy days and home-cooked meals. Whether served on its own or alongside rice and your favorite protein, it is a flavorful way to enjoy a classic vegetable dish.
Ginisang Gulay
A simple and nutritious Filipino vegetable stir-fry featuring a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in light broth. This comforting dish is flavorful, healthy, and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 medium bitter gourd (ampalaya, cored and sliced)
- 6 to 8 pieces okra
- 1 cup sliced tomatoes
- 8 pieces string beans sliced in 2 inch pieces
- 1 Chinese eggplant
- 3/4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium yellow onion (sliced)
- 1 1/2 cups cubed calabaza squash
- 4 cloves garlic (crushed)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan.
- Saute garlic and onion until the onion softens.
- Add the sliced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the calabaza squash. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the eggplant, okra, string beans, and bitter gourd. Stir-fry for 3 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth. Cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove the cover and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to a serving plate. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- You can soak the bitter gourd in salted water to reduce bitterness before cooking.
- Adjust vegetables based on availability or preference.
- Best served warm with steamed rice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
