Tinolang Manok: A Warm and Comforting Filipino Chicken Soup

Tinolang Manok, a traditional Filipino dish, is recognized for its flavorful and comforting broth. It is commonly prepared by boiling diced chicken in a fragrant broth containing ginger, garlic, and onions. To improve the flavor and nutritional content, green papaya or chayote is mixed in with chili leaves.

Tinola is a popular snack, especially on chilly or wet days, because it is simple to make but full of flavor. It is frequently served with a dipping sauce of fish sauce, calamansi, and chili for an added kick. Commonly eaten with steaming rice, some varieties incorporate lemongrass or malunggay leaves for extra nutrition.

These are the ingredients for Tinolang Manok:

Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 chicken (cut into serving pieces)
• 1 thumb-sized ginger (sliced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 small green papaya or 1 medium chayote (peeled and sliced)
• Malunggay leaves
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:

• 1 stalk lemongrass (lightly pounded)
• 2-3 pieces green finger chilies (siling haba)

Cooking instructions:

1. Sauté the aromatics.

• Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat.
• Sauté garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant and the onions are translucent.

2. Add the Chicken.

• Cook the chicken pieces until they are slightly brown.
• Pour in the fish sauce and stir thoroughly to coat the chicken with flavor.

3. Simmer the Chicken.

• Pour in either water or chicken broth. If used, add lemongrass.
• Allow to boil, then reduce to a low heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked.
• Skim off any excess fat or scum from the surface as needed.

4. Add Vegetables.

• Add the green papaya or chayote and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until soft.
• If using green chiles, add them at this point for a mild flavor.

5. Final Touches

• Add the kalamungay (also known as malunggay leaves). Stir and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve and enjoy!

• Turn off the heat and serve with steaming rice.
• Serve with fish sauce, calamansi, and chili as dipping sauces.

Tinolang Manok is a warm and nourishing Filipino dish that may be enjoyed on any day!