This dish holds a special place in my heart. It’s savory, tender, and wholesome, making it one of my favorite cozy, feel-good meals. The combination of sautéed vegetables, herbs, and proteins simmered in a flavorful broth brings warmth and comfort. And for a delightful twist, pairing it with a banana adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes. It’s the perfect sweet and savory combination that never fails to satisfy!

I first fell in love with this dish at my grandmother's house when I was a little girl. It’s been passed down through generations in my family—my grandmother taught my mom, and my mom eventually passed it down to me. Now, I'm excited to share this treasured recipe with you, hoping you’ll enjoy it as much as I have throughout the years.

What is Upo, and Where Can You Find It?

Upo, also known as opo, is a type of bottle gourd often used in Asian cooking, particularly in Filipino dishes. It has a firm outer skin that needs to be peeled with a vegetable peeler, and its cream colored, soft, seed-filled interior is similar to that of a cucumber, but more tender and bigger! Beyond its versatility in cooking, upo is packed with health benefits: it's high in fiber, rich source of vitamin C and B, and provides essential minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc.

If you’re wondering where to find this unique vegetable, it’s typically available at local Asian or international markets. Some stores I’ve visited in Illinois and Arizona that stock upo include:

• Seafood City
• H Mart
• Garden Fresh
• 99 Ranch Market

What is Ginisang Upo and What Do You Need?

Ginisang upo is a classic Filipino dish made with sauteed bottle gourd, garlic, onions, tomatoes, herbs, black pepper, soy sauce, protein and broth. You saute all of this in cooking oil over medium heat and only takes 20 minutes to make! My favorite ground meat for this recipe is ground pork, as it adds a rich, savory depth, but you can easily substitute ground chicken or turkey if you prefer. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—it uses common ingredients you likely already have at home, but the flavors are anything but ordinary!

How to Serve and Enjoy

I love serving ginisang upo with steamed white rice and a side of sliced banana. The banana adds a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the dish. It’s a combination that may sound unexpected, but trust me—it’s a match made in heaven!

This recipe is more than just a meal to me—it’s a connection to my roots and a reminder of family traditions passed down through the years. I hope it brings a bit of comfort and joy to your table, too.

Did you make this? If so, make sure to tag and follow @prettyplatebymichelle on instagram and tiktok or leave a review below and let me know what you think! I would love to see your Pretty Plate and hear from you!