AuthorBiteSizedPuso ng Saging Salad is a vibrant and refreshing Filipino dish that combines unique textures and bold flavors, making it a standout addition to any meal. The star ingredient, puso ng saging (banana blossom or banana heart), is known for its slightly bitter and earthy taste, which pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp vegetables and a zesty dressing.
To prepare the puso ng saging, start by chopping one piece of banana blossom into thin slices. As banana blossoms can oxidize and darken quickly, immediately submerge the sliced pieces in a bowl of water mixed with the juice of one lemon and one tablespoon of salt. This not only helps preserve the color but also reduces any bitterness. Let the slices soak for about 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly and setting them aside.
Next, assemble the salad by combining half a chopped cabbage, two red onions (chopped), one julienned carrot, a quarter cup of fresh mint, and a quarter cup of coriander in a large mixing bowl. These ingredients add a refreshing crunch and a burst of color to the dish. To add a touch of savory richness, include half a cup of crispy fried shallots or onions. For a protein boost, incorporate a quarter cup of grilled shrimp or grilled chicken, which enhances the salad's overall flavor profile. Finally, sprinkle a quarter cup of crushed peanuts on top for a nutty and satisfying crunch.
The heart of this dish lies in its flavorful fish sauce dressing. In a separate bowl, combine half a cup of calamansi juice, a quarter cup of fish sauce, a quarter cup of hot water, two tablespoons of white sugar, one tablespoon of white vinegar, and two finely chopped red chilies. Add one chopped garlic clove and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until the sugar has completely dissolved, and the ingredients are well incorporated. This dressing strikes a perfect balance between salty, tangy, sweet, and spicy, tying the whole dish together.
To serve, drizzle the fish sauce dressing generously over the salad and toss everything together until well coated. The combination of the crunchy cabbage, aromatic herbs, succulent grilled shrimp or chicken, and the tender banana blossom creates a harmonious medley of flavors and textures. Top it off with more fried shallots or onions and a final sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added crunch and visual appeal.
Puso ng Saging Salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the vibrant ingredients and zesty dressing make for an invigorating bite. Whether served as a side dish or a light main course, it’s an excellent way to showcase the versatility of banana blossom while celebrating the bold flavors of Filipino cuisine.
In a bowl combine the salt banana blossom, and lemon juice. Fill with water then marinate for ten minutes to remove the bitterness of the banana blossom.
Discard the liquid then pat dry the banana blossom.
In a bowl, combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper
In a bowl, combine the banana blossom, cabbage, red onion, mint, coriander, fried shallots, carrots, and grilled shrimps. Drizzle the fish sauce dressing then toss to incorporate everything.
Transfer to a serving plate then topped with crushed peanuts.
Ingredients
Directions
In a bowl combine the salt banana blossom, and lemon juice. Fill with water then marinate for ten minutes to remove the bitterness of the banana blossom.
Discard the liquid then pat dry the banana blossom.
In a bowl, combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper
In a bowl, combine the banana blossom, cabbage, red onion, mint, coriander, fried shallots, carrots, and grilled shrimps. Drizzle the fish sauce dressing then toss to incorporate everything.
Transfer to a serving plate then topped with crushed peanuts.
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