Halang Halang Recipe – There are plenty of stew dishes to enjoy in Filipino cuisine, and one of them is Halang Halang. Halang halang is a spicy chicken stew popular in the Visayas region and some parts of Mindanao in the Philippines. The chicken’s richness pairs perfectly with the sweet and creamy coconut milk, while the dish also showcases a tangy and citrusy essence from lemongrass and a spicy kick from chili peppers, resulting in a boldly flavorful culinary experience. The term “halang” in Cebuano, the language spoken in the Visayas, translates to “spicy hot,” reflecting the dish’s fiery nature. If you want to try your hand at this flavourful stew, you can test out this Halang Halang Recipe.
Halang Halang
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger sliced and crushed
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 long green chilies chopped
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, legs, and wings cut into serving pieces
- 4 tablespoons fish sauce
- ¼ teaspoon coarse ground pepper
- 1 stalk lemongrass tanglad, white part and green separated
- 1 cup water
- 1 small green papaya cut into cubes
- 1 can coconut milk 400ml
- 2 pieces chili labuyo uncut
- 1 pinch salt add as needed
- 1 pinch pepper add as needed
- 2 cups chili leaves or malunggay
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Add the ginger, onion, garlic, and green chilies. Saute until they become limp and aromatic, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chicken, fish sauce, ground pepper, and lemongrass to the pot. Stir well to coat the chicken with oil. Cover the pot with a lid to allow the juices from the chicken to come out. Cook for several minutes until the sides of the chicken are slightly browned.
- Pour in 1 cup of water, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15 minutes.
- Add the green papaya to the pot and mix it in. Then, pour in the coconut milk and add the chili labuyo. Cover the pot again and let it simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes or until the papaya and chicken become tender. Add more water if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Finally, add the chili leaves and give it a stir. Cook for another 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
- Transfer the soup to individual serving bowls and enjoy it with rice.
Other Notes for a Halang Halang Recipe
There are different tips to get the best results with this soup dish to suit your taste. Using bone-in chicken pieces will enhance the flavor of the soup, but if you prefer boneless chicken, chicken breast or thigh fillet can be used instead. It is important to cut the papaya into uniform, medium-sized chunks to ensure even cooking. If you prefer a milder spice level, you can keep the chilis intact or remove the seeds before adding them to the dish. In case fresh chilies are not available, chili flakes can be used as a substitute. For a creamier texture, coconut cream can be used instead of coconut milk, and water can be added as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
In addition to cooking tips, there are some serving tips you can try. The dish is typically presented in a serving bowl, showcasing tender chunks of green papaya and chili leaves in a creamy soup. For added flavor, fish sauce can be served on the side as a dipping sauce.
Since the dish contains coconut milk, it is important to store any leftovers properly. Place them in a container with a tight-fitting lid and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently simmer the leftovers in a small pot or warm them in the microwave until heated through.
If you want to try other stew dishes, you should test our Chicken Menudo and Ginisang Munggo recipes. There is also the option to try other Filipino chicken recipes like Chicken Sisig. You can also check out other dishes including coconut milk in the cooking process like Bringhe. Aside from these, you can also try our Pakistani Malai Chicken and Pakistani Chicken Karahi recipes for other chicken dishes to enjoy.
