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
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.
(Adapted from "Recipes of the Philippines" by Enriqueta
David-Perez, Mandaluyong, MM: Cacho Hermanos, Inc., 1973)