Authentic Tinolang Manok (Filipino Chicken Soup)

 Tinolang Manok (Filipino Chicken Soup)

Tinolang Manok is a traditional Filipino chicken soup known for its flavorful and nourishing qualities. It features tender chicken pieces simmered with ginger, garlic, and onions, creating a fragrant broth. The dish is enhanced with green papaya (or chayote) and fresh chili leaves (or spinach), adding a subtle sweetness and a slight peppery taste. Tinolang Manok is typically enjoyed as a comforting meal, often served with steamed rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into serving pieces
• 1 medium green papaya, peeled and sliced into wedges (or chayote as a substitute)
• 1 bunch chili leaves (or substitute with spinach or malunggay leaves)
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, peeled and julienned
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups water
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
• In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. 
• Add the ginger and sauté until aromatic.
• Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
2. Cook the Chicken:
• Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they start to brown.
• Pour in the fish sauce and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Simmer the Soup:
• Add water to the pot and bring it to a boil. 
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
4. Add Vegetables:
• Add the green papaya (or chayote) wedges to the pot and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Season and Serve:
• Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the chili leaves (or spinach/malunggay leaves) and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
• Serve hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Tinolang Manok!

Tip: For enhanced flavor, drizzle a bit of fish sauce and squeeze the juice of half a lemon wedge. Fish sauce is readily available at your local Asian market.