Tinolang Manok (Filipino Chicken Soup with Ginger and Green Papaya)
Local name: Tinolang manok
In short: A clear, gingery chicken soup with green papaya and chili leaves, simmered until the broth turns sweet and light, the Filipino home comfort bowl. It takes about 1 h in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Total
- 1 h
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 355 kcal
Tinola is the chicken soup Filipino families cook when someone is tired, sick or simply hungry for something light. Bone-in chicken is sauteed with plenty of ginger, garlic and onion, then simmered in water until the broth turns clear and sweet. Wedges of green papaya or chayote soften in the pot, and chili leaves or spinach go in at the very end. Fish sauce is the main seasoning, so taste before you add more.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Cook the ginger, garlic and onion for 3 to 4 minutes, until the onion is soft and the ginger smells sharp and sweet.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning, until the outside is no longer pink. Stir in the fish sauce and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Skim off the grey foam, then lower the heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the papaya wedges and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, until a knife slides in easily and the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) inside.
- Season with the pepper and more fish sauce or salt to taste. Turn off the heat, add the chili leaves and stir for 1 minute, until just wilted.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot, with steamed rice on the side and a small dish of fish sauce with crushed chili.
Tips
- Use bone-in chicken for a richer broth. Rice-washing water gives the soup a slightly creamy body, as many Filipino cooks do.
- Add the greens off the heat so they stay bright green. Cut the papaya or chayote into thick wedges so the pieces hold their shape.
Questions and answers
What can I use instead of green papaya?
Chayote is the most common substitute and cooks in about the same time. Zucchini also works, but add it for the last 5 minutes.
What are chili leaves?
They are the tender young leaves of the chili plant, called dahon ng sili. Baby spinach or moringa leaves are good substitutes.
Can I make tinola with other chicken cuts?
Yes. Use a whole cut-up chicken, or only thighs for a richer soup. Breast cooks faster, so add it for the last 15 minutes.
How long does it take to make Tinolang Manok (Filipino Chicken Soup with Ginger and Green Papaya)?
About 1 h in total: 15 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Tinolang Manok (Filipino Chicken Soup with Ginger and Green Papaya)?
About 355 kcal per serving, with 32 g of protein, 12 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 355 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 1050 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
