Chicken Soup with Amrey’s Kitchen™ Sambal Oelek
There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of Nilagang Manok—that timeless Filipino chicken soup, lovingly simmered in one pot, with humble ingredients and healing intention.
I remember stories from Nene about Nanay Ampy preparing this dish on rainy days, when the weather calls for soup and the spirit needs lifting. Although I have not enjoyed Nanay’s cooking per se, I was able to enjoy her delicious and nourishing recipes thanks to Nene and her siblings. Family recipes are truly treasures!
Another great thing about home-cooking is that you’re able to call the shots. The classic recipe for Nilaga uses green cabbage, potatoes, and green beans, along with the common aromatics like ginger, garlic, and onion. I personally am not a fan of green beans, and string beans hence I don’t use these greens in my cooking as much.
This version features chicken thighs, potatoes, cabbage, onion, ginger, and a dash of fish sauce. Simple, hearty, and comforting—nourishment that soothes the soul. #pagkaingginhawa
Green Cabbage: The Humble Healer
Don’t let its everyday appearance fool you. Green cabbage is packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and antioxidants that support immune function and reduce inflammation. In TCM, cabbage is great for clearing heat and balancing excess yang in the body. It’s mildly sweet and slightly crunchy, making it perfect for soups that aim to calm and cleanse.
Ginger: Nature’s Warm Embrace
I’ve always professed my love for this aromatic. The unmistakable warmth of ginger is something that I’ll prolly never tire of. This root isn’t just for flavor—it’s also medicine. Ginger supports digestion, relieves nausea, and eases cold symptoms. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginger is classified as a warming food that invigorates yang, dispels cold, and promotes circulation. It’s especially helpful when your body needs to move stagnant energy or recover from chills. A perfect ingredient and an apt dish as we welcome the rainy season.
Nilagang Manok, like its cousin Chicken Tinola, is our answer to the Western chicken soup. It’s comfort in a bowl, made even more powerful with healing foods rooted in both our culinary heritage and ancient traditions.
What vegetables do you usually add to your nilaga? Can’t wait to read your comments and drool over your #foodgasmic photos on IG @amreyskitchen (#amreyskitchen #amapolism #comfortfood #pagkaingginhawa #familyrecipes). Remember, sharing is loving.
Kisig's keen sense of smell: Is dat mawh chicken, whooman?
Let’s keep spreading LOVE with Amrey’s Kitchen™ mindfully crafted creations and recipes!
Happy one-pot cooking, lovelies! #mettalove
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