Ginataang Puso ng Saging

==Description==
Puso ng Saging (Tagalog) literally means heart of banana, because it is red and it sort of heart-shaped. It's actually the banana infloresence from where (probably) the banana fruit comes from. The bloom "puso" itself when sliced thinly crosswise is the main ingredient of "ginataang puso ng saging" (Tagalog) or "linabog" or "labog" (Aklanon). It is nothing but the puso cooked in coconut milk.
===Ingredients===
*2 banana blossoms (I just used the ones in the can, 10 oz drained)
*1 cup pure coconut milk
*2 tbsp vinegar (if using 5% acidity vinegar, try 1:1 vinegar/water)
*1/4 cup sliced tomatoes
*1/4 cup sliced Onion
*2 cloves garlic, crushed
*1 tbsp veg oil
*2 dried red chillies (optional if you want this slightly spicy)
*salt and pepper to taste
===Directions===
If using fresh puso ng saging (banana blossoms): remove the tough covering of the blossoms. Slice thin crosswise. Add 2 tbsp salt and squeeze off bitter juice. Rinse in water and squeeze dry. Set aside. 
If using canned puso ng saging: drain, rinse then drain again. Slice thin crosswise. Set aside. 
Heat oil in skillet, if using dried red chillies, add them when the oil is hot but not smoking and let the skins darken somewhat before you add the garlic. Saute garlic until light brown. Add Onion, fry till translucent, then add tomatoes. Cook for around 3 minutes. Add banana blossoms and vinegar/water mixture and then bring to boil without stirring. Simmer for around 3 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir. Continue to cook until banana blossom is tender. Add pure coconut cream and remove from heat. Let stand for a few minutes to help develop the flavours. 
===Other Links===
==See also==
Category: Filipino Vegetarian Category:Vegetarian
 Category:Recipes
Category:Filipino Recipes
Category: Boiled Banana blossom RecipesCategory: Banana blossom Side Dish Recipes
category:banana blossom Recipes
category:banana blossom Recipes
category:coconut cream Recipes
category:garlic Recipes
category:coconut milk Recipes
category:tomato Recipes
category:vinegar Recipes
category:bitter Recipes
category:pepper Recipes
category:banana Recipes
category:garlic Recipes
category:water Recipes
category:Onion Recipes
category:salt Recipes
category:oil Recipes