Switch up your usual Tinola! This Tinolang Manok sa Upo is mouthwateringly delicious with chicken, bottled gourd, and spinach in a savory ginger-flavored broth. It is a comforting meal that will surely pick you up. Perfect with steamed rice for a hearty and healthy meal!
Tinola is one of the most popular Filipino classic dishes as it is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and nutritious. It is one of our favorites and is a family staple for a filling lunch or dinner.
This Filipino soup has many variations, not only by region but also by household. While the most traditional protein is chicken, other versions use pork, fish, or seafood. Green papaya is usually added to bulk-up servings but is sometimes substituted with chayote or upo, like in this Tinolang Manok sa Upo recipe.
Ingredient notes
- Chicken – bone-in works best for this recipe as it gives the broth a deeper and meatier flavor. However, you can substitute boneless chicken breasts or thighs if you don’t want to tackle bones while eating.
- Upo– also called bottle gourd or long squash, is characterized by its elongated or cylindrical shape. It is mildly flavored with a slight hint of sweetness.
- Spinach– you can also use moringa (malunggay) or chili pepper leaves,
- Ginger– gives the soup a warm, slightly peppery flavor with a refreshing aroma.
- Fish sauce – adds a savory, umami taste
- Onions and garlic– aromatics serve as the flavor base
- Salt and pepper– season to taste
Tinolang Manok sa Upo is perfect for those hectic weeknights as it is easy to prepare and cooks in less than an hour! It is also a tasty, comforting dish for the cold weather.
As upo shares equal billing here with the chicken, picking quality bottle gourd is important for the best results. Choose young gourds that are firm to the touch and have smooth, light green skin free of bruises, spots, or yellow discolorations.
If the squash is young, the seeds are tender and edible. If more mature, scoop out the seeds, and spongy interior as the seeds are too hard for consumption, and the spongy flesh can turn mushy during cooking.
How to prepare upo
- Wash under cold running water. With a knife, cut off the stem end.
- Peel off the skin with a peeler.
- Cut the peeled upo lengthwise and remove any mature seeds.
- Slice as per recipe directions.
How to Serve and store
- Enjoy Tinolang Manok sa Upo piping hot on its own or served with steamed rice and spiced fish sauce for dipping for a hearty lunch or dinner.
- Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing. Transfer them into a container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, place in a saucepot on a stove over medium heat. Simmer until warmed through with an internal temperature of 165 F.
