How To Cook A Healthy Tinolang Manok Filipino Dish Step-by-Step

Cooking a healthy version of Tinolang Manok, a traditional Filipino chicken soup, involves making mindful ingredient choices and adjustments to the cooking method. By incorporating nutritious ingredients and minimizing the use of unhealthy additives, you can create a nourishing and wholesome dish. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook a healthy Tinolang Manok:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken (preferably bone-in for added flavor)
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil (such as olive oil or coconut oil)
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, peeled and sliced into thin strips
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 green papayas or chayote, peeled, seeds removed, and cut into wedges
• 2 cups spinach leaves or malunggay leaves
• Fish sauce or salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ginger and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
2. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the pot and continue sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides.
4. Pour in the water or chicken broth, making sure it covers the chicken. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.
5. Cover the pot and let the chicken simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Skim off any excess fat or oil that accumulates on the surface of the broth.
6. Add the green papayas or chayote wedges to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until they are cooked but still slightly firm.
7. Stir in the spinach leaves or malunggay leaves and let them wilt in the soup for a couple of minutes.
8. Season the soup with fish sauce or salt according to your taste preference. Add freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor.
9. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
10. Ladle the Tinolang Manok into bowls, making sure to distribute the chicken, vegetables, and broth evenly.
11. Serve the healthy Tinolang Manok hot, along with steamed rice or on its own.

To make your Tinolang Manok even healthier, consider the following tips:

• Choose high-quality chicken, preferably organic or free-range, to ensure it is free from antibiotics and hormones.
• Opt for skinless chicken or remove the skin before cooking to reduce the fat content.
• Use minimal cooking oil and consider healthier options like olive oil or coconut oil.
• Add a variety of vegetables such as spinach, malunggay leaves, or other leafy greens for added vitamins and minerals.
• Avoid adding too much fish sauce, which can be high in sodium. Use low-sodium options or control the amount you add.
• Practice portion control and balance your meal by serving smaller portions of rice and larger portions of the soup and vegetables.

By following these guidelines, you can create a healthier version of Tinolang Manok without compromising on flavor. It will be a wholesome and satisfying dish that nourishes both the body and soul. Enjoy your homemade healthy Tinolang Manok!