Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that brings the heart of Filipino home cooking right to your kitchen! Ginisang Upo at Sardinas is more than just a simple dish - it's a delightful symphony of flavors that transforms humble ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that will transport you straight to the Philippines. This budget-friendly, nutritious recipe combines the mild, tender bottle gourd with rich, savory sardines, creating a quick and satisfying dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving a taste of authentic Filipino comfort food.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Filipino
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium upo (bottle gourd), sliced
- 1 can sardines in tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the upo thoroughly and cutting it into thin, diagonal slices. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and light golden, being careful not to burn.
- Add chopped onions to the garlic and cook until the onions become translucent and slightly softened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Open the can of sardines and carefully add the entire contents, including the tomato sauce, into the skillet. Gently break up the sardines using a cooking spoon or spatula.
- Add the sliced upo to the skillet and stir to combine with the sardines and aromatics. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed, keeping in mind the sardines already contain some salt.
- Continue cooking until the upo becomes tender but not mushy, typically about 10-12 minutes total cooking time.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Serve hot with steamed rice as a traditional Filipino meal.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm upo (bottle gourd) for the best texture. Look for smooth, unblemished skin and avoid overly large or yellow gourds, which can be tough and bitter.
- Control your heat carefully when sautéing garlic to prevent burning. Low to medium heat is key for developing rich, aromatic flavors without bitterness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of fish sauce or a pinch of chili flakes to give the dish a more complex taste profile.
- If you prefer a saucier dish, you can add a little water or broth while cooking the upo to create more liquid.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end. The sardines' sauce already contains salt, so add additional salt sparingly.
- For a complete meal, serve immediately with steamed white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg
