Go Back
tinola recipe

Tinola

A warm and comforting soup featuring chicken, green papaya, and fresh spinach in a ginger-flavored broth.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 small onion thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 pieces fresh ginger thumb-sized
  • 1 whole chicken 3 to 4 pounds and cut into serving pieces
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 5 cups of water
  • 1 small green papaya peeled, seeded, and cut into 2-inch wedges
  • 1 bunch of fresh spinach leaves with stems trimmed
  • Salt add to taste
  • Pepper add to taste

Instructions
 

  • Start by heating a pot over medium heat and adding the canola oil. Toss in the sliced onions, minced garlic, and ginger. Cook until they become soft and fragrant.
  • Now, it's time to add the chicken pieces. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes or until they start to change color and the juices run clear.
  • Pour in the fish sauce and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This will give the dish that wonderful Filipino flavor.
  • Next, add the water and bring it to a boil. As it starts to simmer, you'll notice some scum floating on top—just skim that off. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it all simmer for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is perfectly cooked through.
  • Time to introduce the green papaya! Add those 2-inch wedges to the pot and let them cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, just until they're tender yet crisp.
  • Season your Chicken Tinola with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to adjust the flavors to your liking!
  • Lastly, add the fresh spinach leaves, gently pushing them down into the flavorful broth. Cook until they just wilt.