Step Aside, Chicken Noodle - This Filipino Soup Is The Ultimate Sick Day Comfort - Tasting Table

"Rich in poultry protein and chock full of aromatic ingredients, including garlic, ginger, and patis (fish sauce), this version of chicken soup hailing from the Philippines is the ultimate sick day soother. Preparing a warming, comforting chicken tinola recipe is fairly simple and can be adapted to suit the availability of certain ingredients. For example, chayote squash is a traditional feature of the soup; however, it can be substituted for green papaya, zucchini, or yellow squash if that is easier to find."

"The soup is also enhanced with the addition of rice water, also known as "rice wash," which is essentially the water left behind after soaking a pot of rice for cooking. This helps add an element of starchiness and other essential nutrients. With a clear broth rich in savory flavors and ingredients like ginger and garlic to promote wellness, chicken tinola is one Filipino dish worth trying at least once, though it's likely to become your go-to sick day soup as soon as you do."

Chicken tinola is a Filipino chicken soup built on garlic, ginger, and patis, offering warming, savory relief. The soup concentrates poultry protein and aromatic flavors in a clear, comforting broth. Rice water, or rice wash, is often added to increase starchiness and nutrients. Traditional vegetables include chayote squash, which can be substituted with green papaya, zucchini, or yellow squash depending on availability. The recipe dates to the 1800s and has modern variations. Ready-made ginger soup base mixes offer quicker preparation when time or ingredients are limited.

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