Tinunuang Kalabasa

Discover the comforting flavors of the Philippines with Tinunuang Kalabasa, a creamy and savory dish that highlights the natural sweetness of squash simmered in luscious coconut milk. This hearty recipe features tender shrimp, fresh spinach leaves, and the aromatic trio of garlic, onion, and ginger, all coming together in a rich, velvety sauce. Enhanced with a hint of fish sauce for a burst of umami, this simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its vibrant colors and comforting flavors, Tinunuang Kalabasa pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, making it an irresistible addition to your table. Easy to prepare and ready in under an hour, this Filipino classic is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium squash (kalabasa)
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 200 grams shrimp
• 100 grams fresh spinach leaves
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 medium onion
• 1 thumb-sized piece ginger
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

Directions

Step 1

Peel the squash and cut it into bite-sized cubes.

Step 2

Peel and devein the shrimp.

Step 3

Mince the garlic, chop the onion, and grate the ginger.

Step 4

In a large pot over medium heat, add the vegetable oil.

Step 5

Sauté the garlic, onion, and ginger until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 6

Add the shrimp to the pot and cook until they turn pink, about 4 minutes. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

Step 7

To the same pot, add the cubed squash and sauté for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook until the squash is tender, about 15 minutes.

Step 9

Season the squash with salt, ground black pepper, and fish sauce. Stir well to combine.

Step 10

Add the fresh spinach leaves to the pot and stir until they wilt, about 2 minutes.

Step 11

Return the cooked shrimp to the pot and stir to combine with the squash and spinach.

Step 12

Adjust seasoning to taste and let everything heat through for another 3-5 minutes.

Step 13

Serve hot with steamed rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1517.2 grams (1517.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1048

Total Fat 41.90g	54%
Saturated Fat 7.30g	37%
Polyunsaturated Fat 21.60g
Cholesterol 280mg	93%
Sodium 4499mg	196%
Total Carbohydrate 140.00g	51%
Dietary Fiber 13.40g	48%
Total Sugars 53.20g
Protein 43.20g	86%

Vitamin D 8IU	40%
Calcium 567mg	44%
Iron 8mg	47%
Potassium 3458mg	74%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.0%

Protein: 15.6%

Carbs: 50.5%