Upo Guisado is a simple yet delicious Filipino dish made with bottle gourd (upo), a long green vegetable with a mild flavor, sautéed with garlic, onions, and tomatoes. Often paired with shrimp, pork, or ground meat, this dish is light, healthy, and packed with nutrition. It’s a common household meal in the Philippines, where vegetables are a staple and sautéing is a preferred cooking technique.

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized upo (bottle gourd), peeled, deseeded, and sliced thinly
• 200g of pork (optional), sliced thinly or ground
• 200g of shrimp (optional), peeled and deveined
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
• 1 ½ cups of water or broth (chicken or pork)
• 2 tablespoons of fish sauce (patis) or soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green chili (optional) for a little spice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Upo

• Start by peeling the skin of the bottle gourd. The outer layer is quite tough, so make sure to remove it thoroughly.
• Once peeled, slice the gourd lengthwise and remove the seeds using a spoon. Cut into thin half-moon shapes or small bite-sized pieces.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• In a large pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic is aromatic (around 2 minutes).
• Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooking until they soften and release their juices.

3. Cook the Pork or Shrimp (Optional)

• If you are using pork, add it into the pan at this stage. Sauté until the pork is browned and cooked through. If using shrimp, add it later in step 5 to avoid overcooking.

4. Add the Upo

• Once the pork is browned, add the sliced upo into the pan. Stir well to combine with the garlic, onions, and tomatoes.
• Add 1 ½ cups of water or broth to the pan to create a little sauce, then cover and allow it to simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the upo softens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Season and Simmer

• Season the dish with fish sauce (or soy sauce), salt, and pepper. If you are using shrimp, add it now and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
• Adjust seasoning according to your taste. If you prefer a little heat, you can add sliced green chili during this step.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Once the upo is tender and the flavors are well-incorporated, remove from heat.
• Serve hot with steamed rice.

Tips

• Protein Variations: Upo Guisado is versatile, and you can use different proteins like chicken or beef. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat entirely or substitute with tofu.
• Broth: Using chicken or pork broth adds more depth to the dish compared to plain water, though water works well too.
• Pairings: This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple garlic fried rice or just plain steamed rice. The mild flavor of upo balances the savoriness of the proteins and seasonings.

Nutritional Benefits

Bottle gourd is low in calories but high in water content, making it perfect for those looking for light, hydrating dishes. It is also rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals like calcium and magnesium, contributing to a healthy digestive system and overall well-being. Pairing it with shrimp or pork adds protein, while keeping the dish wholesome and satisfying.