Warming, Comforting Chicken Tinola Recipe
Are you craving for a warm and comforting dish that will satisfy your hunger and soothe your soul? Look no further than Chicken Tinola! This Filipino delicacy is a popular choice in households across the country, especially during the cold months. With its hearty broth, tender chicken, and nutritious vegetables, Chicken Tinola is not only delicious but also packed with flavors that will surely warm you up on a chilly day. In this article, we will explore the recipe for this delightful dish and guide you through the steps of making it from scratch.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we delve into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect Chicken Tinola. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 1 thumb-sized ginger, peeled and julienned
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups malunggay leaves (or spinach)
- 2 cups green papaya, sliced into wedges
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the Chicken
First and foremost, take the whole chicken and cut it into serving-sized pieces. You can use a knife or kitchen shears for this task. Once you have the chicken pieces ready, set them aside and proceed to the next step.
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Then, add the chopped onion and julienned ginger and cook them until the onions turn translucent.
Add the Chicken
Now it’s time to add the chicken to the pot. Stir the chicken pieces into the sautéed aromatics and cook them until they turn slightly brown on all sides. This step adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Pour in the Water and Seasonings
Once the chicken is lightly browned, it’s time to add the water and fish sauce to the pot. Pour in the water and allow it to come to a boil. Then, add the fish sauce and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Adjust the seasoning accordingly until you achieve the desired taste.
Simmer and Add Vegetables
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is tender. At this stage, add the sliced green papaya and continue simmering until the papaya is cooked but still firm. Finally, toss in the malunggay leaves (or spinach) and let them wilt in the broth for a minute or two.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken is tender and the vegetables have cooked, your Chicken Tinola is ready to be served. Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls, making sure to get a good portion of chicken, vegetables, and flavorful broth in each serving. This dish is best enjoyed with steamed rice on the side, which helps soak up the delicious broth and completes the meal.
Conclusion
Chicken Tinola is not just a simple chicken soup; it’s a bowl of comfort and warmth that brings families together. This recipe allows you to create this traditional Filipino dish in your very own kitchen. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, Chicken Tinola is perfect for those seeking a nourishing and satisfying meal. So, the next time you’re in need of something warming and comforting, give this delightful dish a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
*Source www.tastingtable.com
