Tinola

Tinola
Palau
⏱ — min. Serves: —

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into serving pieces (or 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs or breasts)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
  • 4 cups chicken broth or water
  • 2 cups green papaya or chayote, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup leafy greens (such as spinach or malunggay)
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
  • Lemon or calamansi wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced ginger. Sauté until fragrant and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are no longer pink and start to brown slightly, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for an additional 3 minutes until they start to break down.

Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken broth or water. Bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Add the green papaya or chayote slices. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.

Season the Soup

Stir in the fish sauce, soy sauce (if using), salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Add the leafy greens and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are wilted and tender.

Finish

Remove from heat and ladle the soup into bowls.

Enjoy your meal!