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.
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 small onion, peeled and sliced thinly
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 thumb-sized fresh ginger, peeled and julienned
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh meat
- 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
- In a pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions, ginger and garlic and cook until limp and aromatic.
- Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 to 4 minutes or until chicken starts to change color 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 float on top. Lower heat, cover and simmer for about 10 to 15 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 broth until just wilted. Serve hot.
Rosemary Roussos says
March 6, 2017 at 10:40 amGreat recipes. These are what I have been looking for. Simple and Delicious.
Lalaine says
March 7, 2017 at 7:40 pmThank you, Rosemary. 🙂
Melanie says
August 8, 2016 at 10:00 amHello! 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
August 8, 2016 at 11:30 amHello Melanie
You can substitute potatoes for the upo or even chayote. 🙂
Alivin clark says
May 19, 2016 at 6:06 amLast week I am going ortegosdeli with my office friend I eat first time tinolang manok sa upo its my first experiences I love it