<span data-metadata="">Kulitis
<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">(Amaranthus spp.)
Kulitis is an edible leafy vegetable found throughout the Philippines. It is exceptionally rich in nutrients—offering two to three times more than many common vegetables—and contains high levels of vitamins A, B6, C, K, riboflavin, folate, and other essential minerals. Recognized by the National Nutrition Council as a “superfood,” kulitis shows strong potential as a sustainable and nutritious dietary staple for Filipinos. Its shelf life, if stored properly in the refrigerator with tissues or a paper bag, is 2 weeks.
Savor the crispy goodness of Gulay Tempura, a delicious medley of assorted vegetables lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, ideal for 8 servings. This recipe transforms chopped squash, okra, eggplant, string beans, sweet potato, onion, and kulitis into irresistible bites. The key to its perfect crispness lies in the cold batter, ensuring a light and airy texture with every delectable piece.
Ingredients:
For Filling:
1 cup, chopped, squash
1 cup, chopped, okra
1 cup, chopped, eggplant
1 cup, chopped, string beans
1 cup, chopped, sweet potato
1 cup, chopped, onion
1 cup, chopped, kulitis
Vegetable oil for frying
Salt and pepper to taste
For Batter:
1pc egg
¾ cup, water with ice
1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Mix the egg with ice water well using a fork or wire whisk
2. Pour in the flour slowly into the mix, and mix until all lumps disappear, making sure the batter stays cold (it can be placed on top of ice).
3. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan and make sure the oil is at the correct frying temperature.
4. Dip each vegetable one by one in the cold batter before frying.
5. Fry each vegetable till golden brown.
6. Season with ground pepper and salt before serving.
Reference: Manansala T. S. (2022), Paghilom sa Pagkain, p. 27 – 28
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Kulitis Dip, a delightful appetizer featuring fresh kulitis leaves sautéed with aromatic onion and garlic, then blended into a creamy base of cream cheese and sour cream. This versatile dip can be customized with your favorite cheese and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, perfect for serving warm with toasted bread, crackers, or gulay tempura.
Ingredients:
2 cups of kulitis leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon oil
1 tablespoon minced onion
1 minced garlic clove
8 ounces cream cheese (preferably the softer cooking version)
¼ cup (or 4 tablespoons) sour cream
Any preferred cheese to taste
Salt and Pepper to taste
Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat a saucepan on low heat and add the olive oil.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic until translucent.
3. Add the Kulitis leaves.
4. Stir fry all ingredients for 1 minute.
5. Add the cream cheese, stirring it in slowly, or in chunks if using a whole bar.
6. Pour in the sour cream and stir to combine.
7.Add cheese according to your taste and melt it into the mixture. If adding other kinds of cheese, add them now and melt them into the mixture.
8. Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper to your liking. Add optional Worcestershire sauce if desired.
9.Serve hot with a side of toasted bread, crackers, chips, and/or gulay tempura.
Reference: Yupangco, J.M. (2023) “Juana’s Table”, p.106
Growing your own kulitis at home provides a sustainable and inexpensive source of fresh produce, ensuring a continuous supply for your culinary needs. This practice reduces grocery expenses and minimizes environmental impact, offering a rewarding way to achieve food self-sufficiency.
You will need:
Pot or recycled container with other leafy plant
Loamy soil
Hand trowel (small gardening shovel)
Water
Kulitis seeds
Where To Get?
Instructions:
- Prepare your pot or recycled container that has any leafy plant, filled with a mix of loamy soil and compost, and your Kulitis seeds. This is because kulitis is a weedy type and grows faster beside another plant.
- Evenly spread your Kulitis seeds in the soil. Then, water your seeds immediately after planting.
- Regularly water your Kulitis plant and remove weeds.
- After 20-45 days, you can now harvest your Kulitis.
CONTACT US
- National Capital Region, Philippines
- projectaniathapag@gmail.com
- ANI AT HAPAG, 2025