Via Mare's Glenda Barretto shares her Ensaladang Puso ng Saging recipe
MANILA, Philippines — One of the classic recipes that one can make with puso ng saging (banana heart) is Ensaladang Puso ng Saging.
Restaurateur Glenda Barretto, one of the earliest proponents of Filipino cuisine through Via Mare, makes a mean Ensaladang Puso ng Saging. Her version is simple and preserves the taste of the classic local salad. She shared it in a special cooking class she conducted at The Maya Kitchen.
Banana Hearts Vinaigrette (Ensaladang Puso ng Saging)
Ingredients:
2 kgs. puso ng saging (banana hearts)
150 grams sea salt
375 ml. vinegar
100 grams diced red and green bell peppers
10 grams finely chopped onion
625 ml. salad oil
50 grams prepared mustard
30 grams granulated sugar
Sea salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
500 grams button mushrooms, cooked and quartered
6 pcs. baby prawns, boiled and peeled
Procedure:
1. Discard the outer parts of the banana hearts, leaving only the tender portion. Cut in half, lengthwise.
2. Bring a pan of water to a boil. Add sea salt, all but 2 tsps. vinegar, and the banana hearts. Boil for 12 to 15 minutes or until tender. Allow to cool, then dice.
3. In a salad bowl, mix together bell pepper, onion, salad oil, mustard, sugar, and the remaining vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add banana heart and button mushrooms. Toss lightly.
4. Garnish with prawn.
*Serves 6.
