Chicken tinola, also known as tinolang manok or Filipino chicken soup, is a traditional dish in the Philippines that has gained popularity not only among Filipinos but also with food enthusiasts around the world. This comforting and delicious soup consists of tender chicken pieces cooked in a flavorful broth infused with ginger, onion, garlic, and chili pepper. It is then filled with nutritious vegetables such as green papaya or chayote and moringa leaves.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tbsp cooking oil

4 cloves garlic minced

1 whole onion small size

2 stalks lemongrass

1 piece ginger peeled and thinly sliced

1 tsp salt

½ tsp ground black pepper

4 cups water

1 cup papaya

1 cup malunggay (moringa)

Instructions

Heat a splash of cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and grated ginger, sautéing until the onion turns translucent and aromatic, about 2 minutes.

Add chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally, allowing the chicken to brown and absorb the flavors for around 5 minutes.

Pour in enough water to cover the chicken mixture. Stir well, add lemongrass and cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes to infuse the broth with rich flavors.

Add chopped papaya, cover the pot again, and cook for another 20 minutes. The sweet papaya will complement the savory broth beautifully.

Sprinkle in fresh malunggay (moringa) leaves, cover, and cook for an additional 3 minutes, letting the leaves wilt and release their flavors.

Serve the hot, nourishing soup in bowls and savor each comforting spoonful! This delicious meal is sure to warm your soul and delight your taste buds.