Chicken Malunggay Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and nutritious, then Chicken Malunggay Soup (also known as Tinola) should be your go-to dish. This Filipino classic is a perfect blend of tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and wholesome vegetables. The beauty of this soup lies in its balance of flavors – the richness of the chicken, the mild bitterness of malunggay (moringa), and the subtle heat from the ginger make it not just filling but also incredibly nourishing.

Chicken Malunggay Soup is particularly celebrated for its versatility. You can enjoy it during cold weather as a soothing remedy for colds or just as a family dinner that brings everyone together. Whether you’re familiar with Filipino cuisine or you’re just starting to explore it, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and depth of flavor.

Let’s dive into how to make this comforting soup that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Chicken Malunggay Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

• 1 whole chicken (cut into parts for easier cooking)
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable oil works best)
• 1 medium onion, sliced thinly
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, thinly sliced
• 5 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 large tomatoes, quartered
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (patis for an authentic taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3-4 cups fresh malunggay leaves (moringa leaves), washed and stems removed
• 1 green papaya (or chayote), peeled and cut into cubes
• 1-2 long green chili peppers (optional for mild heat)
• Lemon or calamansi (for garnish and additional zing)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Brown the chicken on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the soup, giving it a deep, rich base.
2. Sauté aromatics: Add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger to the pot. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until the aromatics soften and become fragrant. The ginger plays a key role here, infusing the broth with a fresh, peppery heat.
3. Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth, then toss in the quartered tomatoes. Allow the broth to come to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. The tomatoes should break down and infuse the broth with a slightly sweet and tangy undertone.
4. Season the soup: Add the fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Fish sauce is essential in Filipino cooking; it adds a depth of umami that makes the soup incredibly savory. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. Add the vegetables: Throw in the papaya (or chayote) cubes and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes. If you’re using green chili peppers, add them now for a subtle heat.
6. Add malunggay leaves: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the malunggay leaves. Stir them in gently and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. These leaves are a nutritional powerhouse, and adding them last ensures they retain their fresh, vibrant green color and nutrients.
7. Serve and garnish: Taste the broth one more time and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon or calamansi for an extra burst of citrusy brightness.

Ingredient Insights

• Chicken: The foundation of any good soup, chicken provides a rich and savory base for the broth. The whole chicken allows you to get a balance of both dark and white meat, which adds depth and variation to the texture.
• Malunggay (Moringa): This leafy green is considered a superfood, packed with vitamins A, C, and E. It’s also a rich source of calcium, potassium, and iron. Not only does it add nutrition, but it also brings a slightly peppery, earthy flavor to the soup.
• Papaya (or Chayote): These vegetables add a mild sweetness and soft texture that complements the savory flavors of the soup. Papaya, in particular, is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, boosting the overall health benefits of the dish.
• Fish Sauce: This is a staple in Filipino cooking, adding a savory umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the broth. The saltiness of the fish sauce is balanced out by the sweetness of the vegetables and the richness of the chicken.
• Ginger: A key component in Filipino soups, ginger gives a sharp, fresh heat that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. It also helps aid digestion and adds a comforting warmth to the soup.

Expert Tips

1. Use homemade chicken broth: If you have the time, make your own chicken broth by simmering chicken bones, garlic, onions, and herbs. The homemade broth will have a richer, more complex flavor than store-bought versions.
2. Simmer slowly: The longer you let the soup simmer, the more the flavors will develop. Try not to rush the cooking process. Patience is key to bringing out the full richness of the ingredients.
3. Adjust the seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust the salt, fish sauce, and pepper to suit your preferences. Filipino soups often have a delicate balance of salty, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, so don’t hesitate to fine-tune the seasoning.
4. Malunggay can be tough: If you’re not able to find fresh malunggay leaves, you can substitute with spinach or moringa powder, though nothing compares to the flavor and texture of fresh leaves.
5. Serve with rice: This soup is perfect when paired with steamed white rice. You can dip the rice into the broth, making each bite even more satisfying.

Recipe Variations

• Chicken Tinola with Lemongrass: Add a stalk of lemongrass, smashed and tied into a knot, to the broth while it simmers for a fresh, aromatic flavor. Lemongrass adds a citrusy, herbal note that complements the ginger.
• Substitute with other leafy greens: If malunggay leaves aren’t available, you can substitute with other nutritious greens like spinach, kangkong (water spinach), or even kale. Each will give the soup its unique flavor but still keep it just as hearty and nourishing.
• Make it spicy: Add more chili peppers or even a dash of chili oil to turn up the heat in your soup. This variation works well if you enjoy a bit of spice to complement the savory richness of the broth.
• Add coconut milk: For a creamier version of the soup, stir in some coconut milk toward the end of cooking. It will add richness and a slightly sweet flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the savory broth.

Final Words

Chicken Malunggay Soup is not just a dish; it’s a comforting, nourishing experience that connects you to the rich traditions of Filipino cuisine. It’s simple to make, yet incredibly rewarding with its flavorful broth and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re cooking it for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, this soup is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

The combination of chicken, malunggay, and papaya offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, while also delivering a ton of health benefits. From its rich, savory broth to its wholesome vegetables, every spoonful is like a hug from the inside.