How To Cook Tinolang Manok: Simple Recipe for Beginners

Tinolang Manok, a classic Filipino dish, is a comforting chicken soup that's perfect for both rainy days and family gatherings. Its unique blend of savory chicken, ginger, and vegetables creates a nourishing and flavorful meal.

In this guide, we'll show you how to cook Tinolang Manok using two popular vegetable variations: papaya or sayote, and dahon ng sili or dahon ng malunggay.

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken, cut into serving pieces

1 medium-sized green papaya or sayote (chayote), peeled and sliced into wedges

1 bunch dahon ng sili (chili leaves) or dahon ng malunggay (moringa leaves)

1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced into thin strips

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth or water

2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Clean and cut the chicken: Wash the chicken thoroughly and cut it into serving pieces.

Prepare the vegetables: If using green papaya, peel it and remove the seeds, then slice into wedges. If using sayote, peel it, remove the seed, and slice into wedges. Wash the leaves (dahon ng sili or dahon ng malunggay) and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat.

Sauté ginger, garlic, and onion: Add the ginger strips to the pot and sauté until fragrant. Follow with minced garlic and chopped onion, and cook until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken: Place the chicken pieces into the pot and cook until they turn light brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Season with fish sauce: Pour in 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, stirring well to coat the chicken pieces.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Add the broth: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.

Add the vegetables: Once the chicken is cooked, add the papaya or sayote slices. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Greens

Add the leaves: Finally, add the dahon ng sili or dahon ng malunggay. Stir gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the leaves are wilted.

Season to taste: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.

Step 6: Serve

Enjoy: Ladle the Tinolang Manok into bowls and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.

Tips for Perfect Tinolang Manok:

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables enhance the flavor of the soup.

Adjust the heat: For a bit of spice, you can add a few slices of green chili pepper.

Explore variations: Experiment with both papaya and sayote, as well as different greens, to find your favorite combination.

Tinolang Manok is not only easy to prepare but also rich in nutrients, making it a great choice for beginners looking to try their hand at Filipino cuisine. Happy cooking!