Filipino Tinola

Warm, nourishing, and packed with vibrant flavors, Filipino Tinola is a classic chicken soup that brings comfort to your table. This traditional dish features tender pieces of chicken simmered in a fragrant broth infused with garlic, onion, and julienned ginger, delivering a soothing aroma with every steaming bowl. Highlighted by the tropical sweetness of green papaya and the earthy goodness of malunggay leaves—or spinach as a substitute—this soup is as nutritious as it is delicious. A splash of fish sauce deepens the savory umami, while a simple blend of salt and pepper allows the fresh, wholesome ingredients to shine. Perfect for family meals or cozy nights, Tinola pairs effortlessly with steamed rice, making it a true Filipino favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 kg Chicken (cut into serving pieces, e.g., drumsticks, thighs)
• 1 medium piece Green papaya (peeled, seeded, and cut into wedges)
• 2 cups Malunggay leaves (or substitute with spinach if unavailable)
• 50 grams Ginger (peeled and julienned)
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 medium piece Onion (sliced)
• 2 tablespoons Fish sauce
• 6 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 0 to taste Salt
• 0 to taste Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the garlic, onions, and ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3

Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.

Step 4

Pour in the fish sauce and stir to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes to infuse the flavor.

Step 5

Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.

Step 6

Add the green papaya wedges to the pot and continue to simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the papaya is fork-tender.

Step 7

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 8

Turn off the heat and stir in the malunggay leaves. Let the residual heat wilt the leaves for 2-3 minutes.

Step 9

Serve hot in bowls with steamed rice on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3418.3 grams (3418.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3154

Total Fat 170.40g	218%
Saturated Fat 43.60g	218%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.80g
Cholesterol 880mg	293%
Sodium 5814mg	253%
Total Carbohydrate 92.50g	34%
Dietary Fiber 17.70g	63%
Total Sugars 21.00g
Protein 322.90g	646%

Vitamin D 130IU	650%
Calcium 1238mg	95%
Iron 34mg	191%
Potassium 4866mg	104%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.0%

Protein: 40.4%

Carbs: 11.6%