MY friends, meet my newest favorite, ginisang ampalaya sa sardinas! There are so many things to love about this recipe, you guys, and many reasons why it should be a regular on your dinner table.
Ampalaya and canned sardines are some of the cheapest ingredients you can buy. At around $4 for servings of four, this vegetable dish will meet any type of household budget.
Not only does this ginisang ampayala require simple ingredients, it takes less than 20 minutes of cook time. Quick and easy, it’s the answer to those days when you want to be out of the kitchen in no time and need dinner in a hurry.
Ampalaya has been touted for many years as a superfood and is renowned for its many healthful attributes. Aside from its medicinal value, it is also rich in antioxidants as well as an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. And with the ampalaya cooked in sardines, which is in itself packed with protein and known to promote heart and bone health, this ginisang ampalaya sa sardinas is one of the healthiest dishes you can serve the whole family.
And the list above are not reasons enough, this vegetable dish is as delicious as it is nutritious! With crisp ampalaya, generous bits of flavorful sardines and hearty tomato sauce, it’s comfort food at its best!
- 4 medium ampalaya
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 small onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 large Roma tomato, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 cans (5.5 ounces each) sardines in tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- salt and pepper to taste
- Cut ampalaya lengthwise and with a spoon, remove seeds and scrape off white pith. Sliced thinly and place in a bowl of cold water until needed. Drain well when ready to use.
- In a wide skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook, stirring regularly, until tender and aromatic. Add tomatoes and cook, regularly mashing with the back of spoon, until softened.
- Add fish sauce and cook for about 1 minute. Add sardines (including the sauce) and water.
- Bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add ampalaya and gently toss to combine. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until tender yet crisp. Serve hot.
Thank you Lalaine for sharing this quick and healthy recipe. The bitter gourd blended well with the tomatoes and sardines plus I added green chili to make it a little spicy.
Thank you, Jannah, for the feedback. This is one of my favorite dishes as it’s so easy to make, inexpensive and yes, healthy. Will have to try it with chili peppers the next time, I love a little kick of heat, too 🙂
Another simple dish pero masarap. Thanks.
You’re welcome, Esther. I hope you enjoy it 🙂