Following a viral Khaleej Times story celebrating the nutritional powerhouse of malunggay (moringa leaves), conversations among Filipino netizens unveiled a beloved dish that features this superfood.
Rediscovering Tinola: A Filipino Favorite:
Tinola, a renowned Filipino soup, has gained attention as dozens of Filipinos online share their love for this dish, which prominently features malunggay as a key ingredient.
Despite previous controversy, this flavorful soup has remained a staple in Filipino households, especially within the UAE’s Filipino community.
Tinola Recipe: Bringing Flavor to Life:
For those curious to explore the taste of tinola, here’s a simple recipe to recreate this beloved Filipino dish:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup malunggay (moringa, drumstick leaves)
- 1 (1.5-inch) piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 1/2 piece green papaya, sliced into wedges
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- A few tablespoons of fish sauce (adjust to taste)
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Water (can use water used to wash rice) with chicken bouillon cube / 2 cans of chicken broth
Instructions:
- Saute garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant.
- Add the chicken chunks and cook until they turn light brown.
- Mix in the fish sauce and cook for a couple of minutes.
- Pour in water or chicken broth for the soup base and bring to a boil. Simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Add the green papaya and cook for 5-10 minutes until slightly tender.
- Stir in the malunggay and cook for an additional minute.
- Season with black pepper and fish sauce or salt according to taste preferences.
- Serve hot alongside plain rice for a comforting and nutritious meal.
This dish not only celebrates the flavors of Filipino cuisine but also highlights the nutritional benefits of incorporating malunggay into everyday cooking, offering a taste of tradition and wellness in every spoonful.
