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Philippines has plenty of coconuts. In fact, coconut is one of the Philippine’s major export commodity to other countries. Dubbed as the Tree of Life, coconut is practically useful in every part from the roots up to the fruit. It’s no surprise, that coconut products such as cream, milk, oil, and meat are featured as major ingredients in many of the country’s representative dishes. Below are some of the Filipino favorite dishes that uses coconut milk as major ingredient:
Adobong manok sa gata (coconut milk)
This classic Filipino staple is often touted as the country’s national dish. While there are as many ways to make adobo as there are regions in the Philippines, nothing beats the creamy richness of adobong manok sa gata, or chicken adobo in coconut milk. This recipe is said to have originated from the province of Bicol. It follows the standard soy sauce-based adobo by marinating your preferred meat – in this case, chicken – in soy sauce, garlic, and peppercorns. Cook in vinegar after 20 minutes and then add coconut milk as the final step, letting it thicken and coat the chicken in delicious sauce. Serve hot with plenty of rice. Adobong manok sa gata is a guaranteed hit among Filipino tables.
Laing
Dried taro leaves might not sound very appetizing as they looks, but stewing them in coconut milk flavored with aromatic spices creates a delicious and filling comfort food. Most people like to add slivers of pungent, powerful bird’s eye chilies to lend an astounding kind of heat to the dish, which keeps diners coming back for more. This is one way of getting your serving of veggies in without struggling too much, especially if you’re not too fond of having greens.
Ginataang laman ng dagat
Seafood is given the indulgent treatment when cooked in coconut milk and flavored with various spices. Practically any seafood can be cooked this way, whether it’s fish, shellfish such as shrimp and prawn, crab, or even mussels. The trick is using the freshest coconut milk and cream from a local supplier – this guarantees the best flavor. Garlic and green and red chilies bring a generous amount of heat to the table, while the sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood. It’ll be so good, you’ll want to eat it on its own.
Bicol express
This famous Bicolano dish is well-known and loved among Filipinos for its zing of heat tempered by the creaminess of coconut milk. Those from the province of Bicol do like things fiery! Bird’s eye chilies make an appearance in copious amounts, but shrimp paste is added for flavor along with onion, garlic, and fatty pork. This is a sensory indulgence that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Pininyahang manok
Sweet pineapple flavor melds perfectly with luxurious coconut cream and coats every piece of chicken in delicious goodness in this representative Tagalog dish. Here you get a perfect balance between sweet and salty in every bite. Chicken is first marinated in pineapple juice to make its meat softer and tender as well as for the meat to absorb the tart fruit flavor before being lightly fried. Potatoes and carrot will add color and textural variations to this favorite recipe. When the chicken and vegetables are tender, add coconut milk for an unparalleled creamy sauce making it perfect with hot white rice. Season with fish sauce and indulge.
Ginataang mais
Ginataan is not just for savory meat and seafood dishes! One of the best ways to use gata or coconut milk is in a rice porridge with sweet yellow corn called ginataang mais, which is a well-known dessert item or snack here in the Philippines. This comfort food dish takes as little as 25 minutes to prepare from start to finish. First, cook glutinous rice in coconut milk in a pot and allow to boil to soften the grains. Stir frequently to prevent the mixture from sticking. Add corn kernels after approximately 15 minutes of cooking, then sugar to taste. This porridge is a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Coconut-based ingredients are prominently featured not only in traditional Filipino main dishes but also in desserts and snacks. Even today, many people are discovering new uses for coconut products in their kitchen, which helps renew their appreciation for the rich taste and health benefits brought about by eating the fruit.
