That good bowl of piping hot tinola I was desperately craving but was sorely disappointed? Well, finally, wish fulfilled! Actually, if I just looked a little longer in my fridge, I could have had my tinola that very day. I was so bent on the missing papaya, I didn’t notice the three large gourds of upo in the bin, which would have worked in tinola just as well.
Although bone-in chicken is what’s usually used for deeper flavor, I substituted boneless, skinless chicken breast in this tinolang manok sa upo as I wanted to enjoy it on it’s own (without the usual rice accompaniment) and I didn’t want the hassle of picking through bones. You can, of course, replace with your choice of bone-in chicken parts. Just adjust the amount of water and cook time.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 onion, peeled and sliced thinly
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 thumb-sized ginger, peeled and julienned
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken, cut into 3-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 4 cups water
- 1 large upo, peeled and cut into 2-inch wedges (about 2 cups)
- 1 bunch fresh spinach leaves, stems trimmed
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions, garlic, and ginger and cook until softened.
- Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 to 4 minutes or until lightly brown and juices run clear.
- Add fish sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add water and bring to a boil, skimming scum that floats on top. Lower heat, cover and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Add upo and cook for about 2 to 4 minutes or until tender yet crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add spinach and push down into the broth. Turn off heat and cover until leaves are just wilted. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
“This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.”
Rosemary Roussos says
Great recipes. These are what I have been looking for. Simple and Delicious.
Lalaine says
Thank you, Rosemary. 🙂
Melanie says
Hello! What other veggies can you put in here if you don’t have papaya or upo (I don’t even know what that is LOL)! Thanks!
Lalaine says
Hello Melanie
You can substitute potatoes for the upo or even chayote. 🙂
Alivin clark says
Last week I am going ortegosdeli with my office friend I eat first time tinolang manok sa upo its my first experiences I love it