Main Course · Soup · Dinner · Asian ·

Aromatic Filipino Tinola with Papaya and Malunggay Leaves

Tinola is a classic Filipino chicken soup characterized by its fragrant aroma and simple yet flavorful ingredients, including green papaya and malunggay leaves.

4.7(561 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Aromatic Filipino Tinola with Papaya and Malunggay Leaves — Main Course served and photographed from above
Prep
23 min
Cook
1 h 10 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
6

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Chicken

  1. 1

    Mix Ingredients

    In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with fish sauce and calamansi juice.

  2. 2

    Marinate

    Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

  3. 3

    Rest

    Allow to come to room temperature before cooking.

Preparing the Broth

  1. 1

    Heat Oil and Sauté

    Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cook until fragrant.

  2. 2

    Add Broth

    Pour in the chicken broth, and bring to a simmer.

    Tip: Do not let the broth boil rapidly; a gentle simmer brings out better flavors. For an extra kick, add sliced chili peppers to the broth.

How to Make Aromatic Filipino Tinola with Papaya and Malunggay Leaves

Total time: 1 h 33 min · Yields 6 servings

  1. 1

    Cooking the Chicken

    Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pot, simmer until partially cooked, about 15 minutes.

  2. 2

    Adding Vegetables

    Stir in papaya wedges, cover, and cook until the papaya is tender, about 10 minutes.

  3. 3

    Final Touches

    Add the malunggay leaves, cook for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and more fish sauce if desired.

Chef's Tips

    Frequently asked questions

    How long can I store leftovers?

    Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Can I substitute the green papaya?

    Yes, chayote or other squash varieties can be used as an alternative.

    Is it possible to make this dish ahead?

    Yes, you can prepare the broth with chicken and papaya and add malunggay leaves just before serving.

    Can I freeze the soup?

    It is not recommended to freeze this soup as the texture of the papaya and greens may change.

    Are there dietary tweaks for vegetarians?

    Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.

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