Ginataang Papaya (Papaya in Coconut Milk)

Name: Ginataang Papaya (Papaya in Coconut Milk)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds green papaya; 2 tablespoons oil; 1 small chopped onion; 4 cloves minced garlic; 1 ¾ cup coconut milk; 1 cup malunggay leaves; Salt and pepper to taste; ½ cup water or chicken stock

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This ginataang papaya has a creamy, rich flavor, is made from papaya, and is cooked with coconut milk. This version has no meat, but you can easily add meat to this recipe.

cooked papaya in coconut milk and moringa.

Why this recipe works

This green papaya dish is creamy and delicious.
Papaya has a lot of health benefits.
The recipe can easily be added with meat if you choose to do so.

What goes into this recipe

ingredients for papaya with coconut milk recipe (ginataang papaya).

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Papaya - you will need green papaya for this recipe. Ripe papaya will not work for cooking this recipe.

Coconut milk - I usually use canned coconut milk because it is primarily available in Canada. If you want to use freshly squeezed coconut milk, you can. If you want a healthier option, you can substitute coconut milk with water, chicken stock, or vegetable stock.

Malunggay leaves - also called Moringa Leaves. You may also use spinach or bok choy as a substitute.

Water or chicken stock - if you want a vegetarian dish, you will need water for this recipe.

Chilies - you can add some chilies if you want to add some spice to the dish.

How to prepare the green papaya

Slice the ends off of the papaya. It will help stabilize the paella when you are peeling the skin.
Peel the papaya.
Cut the papaya in half and remove the seeds using a spoon.
Divide papaya into 8 slices.
Slice and remove the insides of the papaya using a sharp knife. (see photo number 5 below). The inside part is stringy, and you will want to remove that.
Slice into ¼ inch thickness.

collage of six photos showing how to cut and prepare the papaya for this recipe.

How to make this recipe

Sauté onion and garlic with oil for 1-2 minutes.
Add the sliced papaya. Stir for 3 minutes.
Add the water and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the papaya is tender in medium heat. If the papaya is not yet tender and it is getting dry, you may add more water.
Add the coconut milk and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Add the malunggay and season with salt and pepper. The malunggay does not take long to cook, so after you have seasoned it, turn the stove off.
Serve and enjoy.

how to cook ginataang papaya (papaya with coconut milk).

How and what to serve

You can serve this recipe as a main dish for lunch and supper or as a side dish.

Storing instructions

This dish will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

FAQs and expert tips

Where can I find green papaya?

Papaya is very abundant in the Philippines. If you live abroad in USA and Canada, you may find green papaya in an Asian grocery store.

What else can I add aside from malunggay (moringa) leaves?

You may add spinach, bok choy, kale, or other green leafy vegetables.

What meat can I add?

You may add chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, dilis, or alamang.

papaya in coconut milk with moringa leaves.

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