Chicken Sotanghon Tinola Recipe

The cold January weather can be a blessing for some and a curse for others. Unfortunately, the cool breeze and even cooler nights bring the flu and other viruses with them. Soups and stews are excellent for soothing both your stomach and any symptoms of illness. Even if you aren't sick, they can be just as tasty and enjoyable. Tinolang manok, a delicious and hearty Filipino dish, is a prime example of this. But what if I told you there was a way to improve on this undeniably delicious soup? This is where our chicken sotanghon tinola greets you.

Chicken Sotanghon Tinola soup combines all of your favorite tinola flavors with sotanghon noodles. This dish is essentially a variation on chicken noodle soup, and it is known for soothing not only the stomach but also the soul. Indeed, one bite or slurp of this Chicken Sotanghon Tinola will provide you with plenty of comfort. This delectable Filipino dish with a twist will warm you from the inside out.

Chicken Noodle Soup for the Soul

It goes without saying that soup, in any form, is an unmistakable source of comfort. Chicken Sotanghon Tinola is just one example of a filling and hearty soup that you and your loved ones will enjoy. However, it should come as no surprise that the Philippines is abundant in various types of soup dishes that can easily lift anyone's spirits! Filipino soup dishes are truly unique and lovable, with flavors ranging from salty to sour, savory to bitter. Here are a few of my favorites that you might enjoy as well.

How to Make Chicken Tinola Soup with Sotanghon

Chicken Sotanghon Tinola is just as simple to prepare as traditional Filipino fare. To begin, simply sauté the garlic, onion, and ginger. When your onions have softened, add your chicken and cook until it has a nice light brown color on the outside. Bring your rice wash water to a boil before adding in one Knorr Chicken Cube.

Next, add your papaya and sotanghon noodles to your Chicken Sotanghon Tinola recipe. Allow these ingredients to cook together for about 5 minutes before adding your malunggay leaves. Season your soup with ground black pepper and patis, then top with toasted garlic for an extra layer of texture.

It's time to serve your Chicken Sotanghon Tinola Soup! Transfer the soup to a serving bowl and serve immediately. This filling treat is sure to please you and your family!

Here's a basic recipe for Chicken Sotanghon Tinola:

Ingredients:

- 500 grams of chicken, preferably cut into serving pieces (you can use a whole chicken or specific parts like thighs, drumsticks, or breast)

- 1 small onion, chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced thinly

- 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce (adjust to taste)

- 1 liter of water or chicken broth

- 1 small green papaya, peeled, seeded, and sliced into thin wedges

- 1 cup sotanghon noodles (glass noodles)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Cooking oil for sautéing

- Fresh spinach or chili leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat Oil and Sauté Aromatics:

   - In a large pot, heat a bit of cooking oil over medium heat. Combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced ginger in a mixing bowl. Cook until the onions are translucent and the ginger begins to release its aroma.

2. Add Chicken:

   - Cook the chicken pieces in the pot until they begin to turn white. This should take no more than 5 minutes.

3. Season with Fish Sauce:

   - Pour in the fish sauce and stir to evenly coat the chicken pieces with the flavor. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes.

4. Pour Water or Broth:

   - Pour in the liter of water or chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a low heat and leave it to simmer. Allow the chicken to cook until it reaches a tender state. Depending on the size of your chicken pieces, this could take 20-30 minutes.

5. Add Papaya and Sotanghon:

   - Add the sliced green papaya to the pot once the chicken is tender. Continue to cook until the papaya is tender, which usually takes 5-7 minutes.

   - Pour in the sotanghon noodles. Follow the package instructions or cook until the noodles are soft and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.

6. Season and Adjust:

   - Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional fish sauce as needed. The balance of these flavors can be adjusted to your liking.

7. Garnish and Serve:

   - You can add fresh spinach or chili leaves to the pot for extra greens and flavor if desired. Allow for a minute or two for them to wilt.

   - Once everything is cooked and seasoned to your liking, remove the pot from the heat.

   - Serve the Chicken Sotanghon Tinola in bowls, evenly distributing the chicken, papaya, and noodles. Enjoy!