Vegetable Soup with Coconut Milk (Sinabawang Gulay Recipe)

This healthy native vegetable dish is made of a variety of vegetables and coconut milk. You can even add chili peppers to give the stew a spicy taste.

Healthy Native Vegetable Dish with Coconut Milk

Looking for a nutritious and delicious meal? Try this healthy native vegetable dish made with a variety of vegetables and creamy coconut milk. This recipe is not only packed with vitamins and minerals but also offers a rich and satisfying flavor. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can add chili peppers to give the stew a spicy kick.

This dish is perfect for those who want to enjoy a wholesome and balanced meal. The combination of fresh vegetables and coconut milk creates a creamy and flavorful stew that is both comforting and nutritious. The use of coconut milk not only adds a rich taste but also provides healthy fats that are beneficial for your body.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to use up leftover produce. Common choices include eggplant, squash, string beans, and okra, but feel free to get creative with your favorite vegetables.

To prepare this dish, start by washing and cutting the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. In a pot, heat some cooking oil and sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add the assorted vegetables to the pot and stir-fry for a few minutes. Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add salt and pepper to taste, and if you like it spicy, add some chili peppers. Let the stew cook until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.

Serve this healthy native vegetable dish with steamed rice or enjoy it on its own as a hearty and satisfying meal. It's a great option for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week. Enjoy the delicious and nutritious benefits of this flavorful vegetable stew!

Origin of the Dish

Sinabawang Gulay, which simply means vegetable soup in English, is a Filipino vegetable soup made with a variety of vegetables, especially moringa leaves. This healthy dish is known throughout the Philippines under a wide variety of names. It is commonly called “utan” in the Visayas Islands and Mindanao, and “laswa” in Western Visayas.

The primary ingredients of Sinabawang Utan are moringa leaves, squash, ginger, eggplant, okra (commonly known as Ladies’ Fingers in English), string beans, and chili peppers, seasoned with salt. It can be made more special and creamier when added with coconut milk. This recipe uses a lot of vegetables, making it a good source of nutrients.

When is it Typically Served?

Sinabawang Gulay is typically eaten by Filipino families during lunch and dinner because of its healthy soup, which is best paired with rice that will surely satisfy a big man’s appetite. It is served as a main course for most Filipinos, and some pair this dish with rice while others enjoy it alone.

Kitchen Utensils You Will Need

Cooking this nutritious vegetable soup does not require much experience. This is a beginner-friendly recipe, and all you need to cook this dish are the following:

• Cooking pot
• Chopping board to cut the vegetables
• Mixing spoon
• Bowl
• Serving bowl
• Chopping knife

Primary Ingredients for Vegetable Soup – Variety of Vegetables

Sinabawang Gulay is primarily made of a variety of vegetables, both vegetable fruits and vegetable leaves. Because it is boiled and simmered, it extracts the vegetables' flavors and nutrients, making its soup very healthy and nutritious.

Now let’s talk more about veggies. Originally, plants were grown locally, but as new agricultural ways of life developed, trade brought exotic crops from elsewhere to add to domestic types. Nowadays, vegetables are grown all over the world as climate allows. China is the largest vegetable producer in the world, and because of global trade in agricultural products, consumers are now able to purchase imported vegetables from other countries. We can all agree that vegetables play an important role in a healthy body since most of them are low in fat and calories. They are mostly the source of essential vitamins our body needs, such as the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E. Vegetables are commonly eaten raw by some people, especially the leafy ones. However, hygiene is important when handling foods, whether eaten raw or cooked, to avoid contamination that can cause health problems.

Interesting Facts

For you to know!

• The only vegetable that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, or in any other form other than fresh is lettuce.
• Although used in the culinary world as a vegetable, the tomato is actually a fruit.
• If we just eat vegetables and fruits for a while, eventually our cravings for junk foods will dissipate.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips you might find helpful to cook a perfect Sinabawang Gulay:

• You can add leftover fish from your breakfast to your vegetable soup to add flavor and taste to your soup.
• If you do not have ginger available, you can use lemongrass as an alternative to give your soup a mouth-watering aroma.
• Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and nutritional value.
• Do not overcook the vegetables to retain their texture and nutrients.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
• Add a splash of fish sauce for an extra umami flavor.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions before serving.

So much with proteins on your table like pork and chicken as your main course, you should not neglect this undoubtedly healthy dish. This is a favorite mostly by our elders, and we should encourage our kids to enjoy this dish as well.

Indeed, this is a humble native dish that can be available wherever you are, or whatever country you are from. This is a must-try! It is inexpensive and its ingredients are very much accessible.

Embrace the Health Benefits of Native Vegetable Dishes

While proteins like pork and chicken often dominate our meals, it's essential not to overlook the health benefits of incorporating more vegetables into our diet. This native vegetable dish, enriched with the creamy goodness of coconut milk, is a favorite among our elders and should be introduced to the younger generation as well.

This humble yet nutritious dish transcends borders and can be enjoyed no matter where you are in the world. It's a must-try for anyone looking to add a healthy and delicious option to their meal rotation. The ingredients are not only affordable but also easily accessible, making it a convenient choice for any home cook.

By including this native vegetable dish in your meals, you are not only diversifying your diet but also reaping the numerous health benefits that come with consuming a variety of vegetables. So, the next time you're planning your meals, remember to give this nutritious and flavorful dish a try. Your body will thank you for it!