Tinola Recipe: Transform Your Dinner with Authentic Flavors

Tinola is a comforting and flavorful Filipino chicken soup known for its simple yet nourishing ingredients.

This dish is made with tender chicken simmered in a ginger-based broth, with green papaya and leafy greens adding freshness and depth.

Tinola is often enjoyed as a heartwarming meal during colder months or when someone craves a light but satisfying soup.

Equipment Needed

Large pot

Cooking spoon

Knife and chopping board

Serving bowls

Ingredients

1 kg chicken (preferably thighs and drumsticks)

1 medium-sized green papaya or chayote, peeled and sliced

2 cups spinach or chili leaves (dahon ng sili)

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, chopped

1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced into strips

4 cups water or chicken broth

2 tbsp fish sauce (patis)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp vegetable oil

Directions

Preparation time: 15 minutes, Cooking time: 40 minutes, Total time: 55 minutes

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté garlic, onion, and ginger until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides.

Pour in the water or chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Add the sliced green papaya or chayote to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the vegetable is tender.

Stir in the spinach or chili leaves, and season with fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, just until the greens wilt.

Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice.

How to Serve

Tinola is best served hot, paired with white rice and a side of dipping sauce made of fish sauce with calamansi or lemon.

You can substitute green papaya with chayote if it’s more accessible. For a heartier meal, some people like to add malunggay (moringa) leaves instead of spinach.

Final Word

Tinola is a simple, clean, and nutritious dish that perfectly captures Filipino comfort food.

With its light ginger broth and tender chicken, it’s a meal that anyone can easily prepare and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

Ingredients

Directions

How to Serve

Final Word

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