Filipino Giniling
Picadillo-Style
A comforting and flavorful Filipino dish featuring ground meat simmered in a savory tomato sauce with tender vegetables. This picadillo-style giniling is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Ground pork or beef(Pork is traditional, but beef or a mix works well.)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 4 cloves Garlic(Minced)
- 1 medium Onion(Finely chopped)
- 2 medium Potatoes(Peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes)
- 2 medium Carrots(Peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes)
- 200 ml Tomato sauce(Or about 1 cup)
- 120 ml Water or broth(Optional, for a saucier consistency)
- 100 g Peas(Frozen or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce(Or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Fish sauce (patis)(Optional, but recommended for authentic flavor. Adjust to taste.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes and carrots into uniform 1/2-inch cubes. Mince the garlic and finely chop the onion.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Sauté aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat (about 190°C / 375°F). Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Brown the ground meat: Add the ground pork or beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's browned all over and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat if desired.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Add sauce and vegetables: Stir in the diced potatoes and carrots. Pour in the tomato sauce and add water or broth if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Simmer until tender: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 6
Add peas and seasonings: Stir in the peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are heated through and bright green. Season the giniling with soy sauce and fish sauce (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Serve hot: Ladle the giniling into bowls. It's traditionally served with steamed white rice.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a slightly sweet flavor, add a tablespoon or two of brown sugar along with the tomato sauce.
- ✓Raisins can be added with the peas for a touch of sweetness, a common variation.
- ✓This dish is excellent for meal prep as the flavors meld and deepen overnight.
- ✓Serve with a side of fresh sliced tomatoes or a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Sweet style (add sugar)
- With raisins
- Add chopped bell peppers (red or green) along with the potatoes and carrots for extra color and flavor.
- Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.