Ginataang Kalabasa (Squash Cooked in Coconut Milk)

Ginataang Kalabasa or Squash cooked in coconut milk is one of the famous dish in Philippines and I considered it as one of my favorites.

Here is how to cook this dish.



Ingredients:
1 kilo squash cut into cubes
1/4 kilo shrimp, shelled
2 onions, chopped
3 pieces tomatoes, diced
1 head garlic, minced
2 tbsps of ginger root, crushed and minced
4 tbsps of cooking or olive oil
2 tbsps of shrimp paste (bagoong)
2 cups of coconut milk
2 pcs of chilli peppers
1 cup coconut cream (katang gata)
2 cups of chicken stock
2 tbsps of fish sauce (patis) 

Cooking Instructions:
1. On a pan, heat oil. Saute garlic, onions until light brown then add ginger, cook until onions become translucent. Add the shrimps to absorb garlic and the onions taste.
2. Add tomatoes, squash, chicken stock, shrimp paste and the coconut milk. Let boil then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the liquid has reduced and the squash becomes tender. Don't over cook the squash to avoid being mushy.
3. Add the coconut cream, chili peppers. Simmer for a few more minutes.