Craving for an authentic Filipino dish? You’re definitely not alone on this. I was once on a similar road until I came across the chicken sinigang recipe.
Indeed, you can hardly find any Filipino gathering or celebration without this recipe on the menu. It is so delicious that even the most uninterested palate would be seduced by it and difficult to resist.
What is Sinigang Na Manok?
Sinigang is a popular Filipino recipe known for its soury but lovely taste. The word Sinigang translates to stew, which is what this recipe is.
Its basic composition includes meat (chicken, pork, beef, fish, shrimp), and vegetables (string beans, bok choy, broccoli, kangkong, okra, eggplant, or taro) simmered in a sour broth.
Responsible for the sour flavor is the presence of tamarind or guava.
This popular Filipino comfort food has been around for quite some time, and as such has become so common to the point where it is being considered a national food in the country.
Different Variations of Sinigang
This indigenous food has over the years evolved and has been produced in many varieties.
These different types come as either a change in the souring agent used or the kind of meat or seafood used.
For the sake of this article and since we are particular about chicken as it meat source, let’s look at its varieties in terms of different souring agents.
With that said, the different types of Sinigang based on the souring agent are as follows:
- Sinigang sa Kalamansi
- Sinigang sa Kamias
- Sinigang sa Miso
- Sinigang sa Mangga
- Sinigang sa Santol
- Sinigang sa Bayabas
- Sinigang sa Gabi
Health Benefits of Sinigang
You will agree with me that one of the most effective ways of dealing with diseases impacting our community is found in our traditional and indigenous diets.
Sinigang is no doubt one of those diets. More than just a delicious and comfort food, this recipe is known for the health benefits it brings to the table.
Let’s take a look at the dish’s main ingredients and their medicinal properties.
Ginger
Ginger is one plant that has a very aged history when it comes to medicinal usefulness. It is commonly used as a remedy for conditions such as nausea, menstrual cramps, diabetes, migraine headaches, and osteoarthritis, just to mention a few.
Responsible for most of its function is a bioactive compound known as Gingerol. Also contained in this ingredient are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and agents.
Studies also have it that this flowering plant can play a significant role in weight loss and preventing obesity.
Tamarind
Tamarind as a tree is an excellent source of Vitamin C, vitamin B, and other elements such as potassium, thiamine, magnesium, riboflavin, iron, fiber, and phosphorus.
All these and more make it a useful remedy for conditions such as constipation, sore throats, fever, sunstroke, gallbladder disorders, and so on.
They are also known to have antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and laxative effects.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables in the market today.
They are a great dietary source of lycopene, an antioxidant that plays a significant role in the treatment of heart disease and cancer conditions.
Other antioxidants to look forward to are beta-carotene and lutein, which together with lycopene help in protecting the eyes against developing cataracts, light-induced damage, and AMD (age-related macular degeneration).
They contain vitamin K1 which comes in handy in improving bone health and blood coagulation.
When we eat foods that contain tomatoes, they help in keeping the body hydrated and improve bowel movements. This is thanks to their laxative properties.
Kangkong
Kangkong, otherwise known as water spinach is a significant source of Vitamin A which plays an essential role in the repair of skin, hair, and connective tissue.
This vitamin also plays a significant role in preventing conditions such as cancers, delays in aging, and iron deficiency anemia.
These leaves contain properties that help a great deal in boosting the immune system of the body. They are rich in fiber and thus can offer relief from constipation and aid digestion.
Taro
Taro is a root vegetable that is rich in many nutrients and thus offering huge potential health benefits.
It has a high level of vitamins that helps in promoting a healthy vision, improved immunity, skin health, and circulatory function.
Taro contains a significant amount of dietary fiber that helps to improve digestive function as well as offer relief to issues such as diarrhea, constipation, acid reflux, diarrhea, and stomach ulcers.
It helps in controlling high blood pressure, reducing cardiovascular stress, and preventing the occurrence of chronic heart issues.
Not to forget that they are packed with antioxidants that help in preventing the activities of free radicals.
Radish
This may not be a popular vegetable around, but they are certainly amongst the healthiest of them all.
As undervalued as they have been, they are a great source of potassium, fiber, and Vitamin C.
They are a significant part of traditional medicine for treating conditions such as inflammation, bile disorders, sore throat, and fever.
They help in detoxifying the stomach and liver, controlling red blood cell,s and increasing blood oxygen.
Being a cruciferous vegetable, radishes contain compounds that combine with water to get isothiocyanates, which in turn goes a long way in preventing cancer.
Chicken Sinigang Sa Gabi
Chicken Sinigang Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 cups gabi or taro root (shaved or thinly sliced)
- 5 cups water
- 2 thumb size ginger (sliced)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 2 tomatoes (sliced)
- 1 cup white radish (sliced)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 4 pcs okra (ends trimmed)
- 6 pcs long beans or sitaw (cut into 3 inch segments)
- 1 pc green chili (sili pangsigang)
- 4 tbsp Tamarind base powder (add more if needed)
- salt , to taste
Instructions
- Over medium heat, put chicken and ginger in a pot of water and bring to a boil. remove scums that float.
- Add taro root, radish, tomatoes, and onions, and green chili. Simmer for about 20 minutes
- Add fish sauce, green beans, okra. Cook vegetables for about 5 minutes.
- Remove long green beans and okra and set aside, add tamarind base powder and stir. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes and add salt for seasoning. Enjoy
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Final Words On Sinigang Na Manok
There you have it! More than just being a very delicious meal, the chicken sinigang recipe is packed with a lot of nutrition.
It’s no wonder why the Filipinos and indeed all who have had a taste of it can’t seem to resist it. If you’re a fan of souring foods, this is one dish you don’t want to miss.
I hope this article has proven to be informative? Have you had the chance of trying out this delicious dish? If so, I will love to have your contribution; kindly drop them in the comment section below. I look forward to hearing from you.
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