The Comfort Snack
By eileenleyva
@eileenleyva (27560)
Philippines
February 17, 2018 1:24am CST
This was my childhood merienda, or snack. Not a week went by when we didn't have ginatan for an afternoon merienda.
Ginatan or Ginataan, as the name implies, is a banana, camote, gabi, and ground rice balls simmered in gata or coconut water. For sweetener, the brown sugar or muscovado is added.
This merienda entails a long preparation. One has to peel and splice the root crops, which is a trying task. At least trying for a lazy cook such as me.
So, every time I could pass by one supermarket that offers ginatan, I go for it. Like this morning.
And after a long drive, really, the ginatan was comforting.
8 people like this
9 responses
@Swayamsiddha (4354)
• New Delhi, India
17 Feb 18
Same here. I never heard about this snack before. But it looks awesome. Can it be made quickly?
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
17 Feb 18
Nope. Although the ginatan is always gone in a jiffy, the cooking time is long. Usually, the family gathers so every one could help in the peeling.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
17 Feb 18
@Swayamsiddha That is the ergo. Yes. 
I love the way you make it sound like a summation in a class discussion. 
I love the way you make it sound like a summation in a class discussion. 1 person likes this
@Swayamsiddha (4354)
• New Delhi, India
17 Feb 18
@eileenleyva . Hmm. So as a logical conclusion its a time taking process. Anyways I can gether some helping hands at home
1 person likes this
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
17 Feb 18
If the ginatan was comforting then that is a really good thing.
Sounds very nice never tried that here.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
18 Feb 18
I love that very logical line. If you find me using it, I owe it to you, Thanks in advance.
I wish a Filipino somewhere could offer you ginatan.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
18 Feb 18
@lovinangelsinstead21 Twilight time here, and I think this is my cue to hit the bed. Have a great afternoon, too.
1 person likes this
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
18 Feb 18
@eileenleyva
I wish a Filipino would but I know of none of them around here.
They would be in Madrid or Barcelona most likely.
Have a great afternoon ahead.
1 person likes this
@missjackie (1357)
• Ypsilanti, Michigan
17 Feb 18
This is my favorite snack of all time! Always love it.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
17 Feb 18
Mac and cheese, I love it, I used to prepare that when my daughters were small. Very comforting, especially when I was running Disney marathon , from Lion King to Fantasia, so I could attend to my other house chores. Ha ha.
Macaroni and cheese, I keep packs in my refrigerator. These days, though, the taste leveled up. The girls have acquired the spicy and umami tastes in the course of their growing up.
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
17 Feb 18
A delightful snack people from foreign lands actually enjoy when they come visit my country.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
17 Feb 18
Sweet and comforting food. Children love it.
Judy, if there are Filipinos around you, you can make a request. They can cook ginatan on a Sunday afternoon perhaps, when there is no work. Just a suggestion. I have some friends and family there but they are spread around Australia, from Sydney to Melbourne.
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
17 Feb 18
there are sellers here in our neighborhood. i like it when there's sago (tapioca pearls) and langka (jackfruit).
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
17 Feb 18
I like sago and langka, too, very much. But my ginatan is for the pambenta, Hu hu. But still tastes good.
I could consume two bowlfuls. 
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
17 Feb 18
Yup, and lately, the ginataan has become elite. Restos have included the ginatan in the menu. Ha ha. The ginatan is eaten hot. All the more that it has become a cool snack.
1 person likes this
