Kinamatisang Manok is a savory Filipino chicken stew cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce, with bok choy and a touch of spice from green chili peppers. The chicken absorbs all the flavors of the tomatoes, resulting in a hearty and comforting dish. This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a tender chicken stew packed with the brightness of tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and the subtle heat from chili peppers. It’s a satisfying dish often served with rice.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken, cut into serving pieces

• 4 tomatoes, sliced into wedges

• 1 Knorr Chicken Cube

• 2 bunches bok choy

• 3 long green chili peppers

• 1 onion, sliced

• 3 thumbs ginger, crushed

• 3 cloves garlic, chopped

• 2 cups water

• 3 tablespoons cooking oil

• Fish sauce and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat oil in a pot. Sauté garlic until it starts to brown. Add onion and ginger, and cook until the onion softens.

2. Pan fry the chicken: Add the chicken pieces and cook each side for 1 minute. Stir in half of the tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.

3. Add the liquids and seasonings: Pour in the water and bring it to a boil. Add the Knorr Chicken Cube and 2 teaspoons of fish sauce. Cover the pot, reduce the heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.

4. Add remaining ingredients: Add the remaining tomatoes, long green peppers, and bok choy. Cover and cook for another 3 minutes.

5. Season and serve: Season with ground black pepper and additional fish sauce to taste. Serve hot with rice.

Nutrients

• Calories: 346 kcal (per serving)

• Carbohydrates: 14g

• Protein: 23g

• Fat: 23g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 68mg

• Sodium: 484mg

• Potassium: 1307mg

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 8g

• Vitamin A: 15994 IU

• Vitamin C: 170mg

• Calcium: 386mg

• Iron: 4mg

The Origins of Kinamatisang Manok

Kinamatisang Manok, which translates to “tomato chicken,” is a beloved Filipino dish that takes advantage of the rich produce available in the Philippines, particularly tomatoes. Stews and soups hold an essential place in Filipino cuisine, as they reflect the country’s communal and home-centered food culture. The use of tomatoes in Filipino cooking is prevalent, providing a natural sweetness that complements the savory elements of the dish. Kinamatisang Manok offers a more rustic and straightforward approach compared to other more elaborate Filipino dishes, making it accessible and perfect for home cooking.

Similar to other Filipino dishes, Kinamatisang Manok draws from both indigenous ingredients and influences brought by Spanish colonization, as stews and the use of spices became common during this time. The dish has evolved over generations, with different regions and families adding their own twists and ingredients to suit local tastes and preferences.

Key Ingredients in Kinamatisang Manok

What sets Kinamatisang Manok apart from other chicken stews is the freshness and depth of flavor that comes from the key ingredients. The base of the stew is made up of fresh, juicy tomatoes that bring a natural tanginess and sweetness to the dish. Chicken, often cut into serving pieces, serves as the heart of the dish. As it simmers, the chicken absorbs all the flavors of the tomato sauce, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that is complemented by the rich broth.

Bok choy, a leafy green vegetable, adds freshness and texture to the dish, while green chili peppers bring a mild but delightful heat that balances out the rich flavors. Aromatics like garlic, ginger, and onion are used to build the flavor profile of the stew, adding layers of warmth and depth. The inclusion of a Knorr Chicken Cube helps to intensify the chicken broth, adding a savory, umami-rich note to the dish, while fish sauce enhances the overall saltiness and complexity of the stew.

The Cooking Process: Sautéing and Simmering for Flavor

The preparation of Kinamatisang Manok begins with sautéing aromatics like garlic, onion, and ginger in oil. This technique is vital in Filipino cooking as it helps release the flavors and oils from these ingredients, infusing the dish with a fragrant base. Garlic is sautéed first until golden brown, followed by onions and ginger, which are cooked until the onions soften and become translucent. This step lays the foundation for the stew’s complex and savory flavors.

Next, the chicken pieces are added to the pot and browned slightly to lock in their juices. Once the chicken is seared, half of the tomatoes are added to the pot. This allows the tomatoes to cook down and release their sweetness, which will form the base of the stew’s sauce. After a few minutes, the remaining tomatoes, long green chili peppers, and bok choy are added. These ingredients cook for a few more minutes, just long enough to infuse the dish with their flavors without overcooking the vegetables.

The key to the perfect Kinamatisang Manok is the simmering process. After adding the water, Knorr Chicken Cube, and fish sauce, the dish is covered and simmered for 20 minutes. This slow simmering allows the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld together. The result is a hearty, flavorful stew with a rich tomato broth and perfectly cooked chicken.

Balancing the Flavors: Fish Sauce and Chili Heat

A hallmark of Filipino cooking is the use of fish sauce, a savory and salty ingredient that brings a depth of flavor to dishes like Kinamatisang Manok. Fish sauce is added towards the end of the cooking process, giving the stew its signature umami taste. It balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the mild heat from the chili peppers. Fish sauce is essential in creating that “sarap,” or deliciousness, that is the hallmark of Filipino cuisine.

The addition of green chili peppers offers just a touch of spice, which is a common characteristic of Filipino dishes. The chili peppers are cooked just enough to release their heat into the stew, infusing the dish with a mild warmth without overpowering the other flavors. If you prefer a spicier stew, you can always add extra peppers or increase the amount of fish sauce for more depth.

Serving Kinamatisang Manok

Kinamatisang Manok is best enjoyed with steamed white rice, which helps absorb the rich, flavorful broth. The stew is typically served in a bowl, with the chicken pieces surrounded by the aromatic tomato broth, bok choy, and a hint of chili heat. The rice can be served alongside the stew or even scooped directly into the bowl to soak up the delicious sauce. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory tomato-based broth makes for a comforting and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, especially on cooler evenings, where the warmth and heartiness of the stew provide both comfort and satisfaction. Kinamatisang Manok is also a great dish for meal prep, as the flavors continue to develop and improve when stored and reheated.

The Nutritional Value of Kinamatisang Manok

Kinamatisang Manok is a well-rounded dish that provides a variety of nutrients. It is a great source of protein thanks to the chicken, which is rich in essential amino acids. The tomatoes and bok choy contribute vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, while the chili peppers add a bit of heat and antioxidants. The use of fish sauce provides a dose of sodium, but the dish remains balanced when served with rice, which helps dilute the sodium content.

Each serving of Kinamatisang Manok contains around 346 calories, making it a relatively light yet filling meal. With 23 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, it’s a dish that helps keep you full and satisfied while providing essential nutrients. The high potassium content from the tomatoes and bok choy also supports heart health and hydration. However, it’s important to enjoy this dish in moderation if you’re watching your sodium intake due to the use of fish sauce.

Conclusion: A Filipino Classic

Kinamatisang Manok is a dish that beautifully encapsulates the heart and soul of Filipino home cooking. Its rich tomato broth, tender chicken, and flavorful vegetables make it a perfect dish for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a special gathering with friends and family. The simplicity of the ingredients and the depth of flavor from the slow simmering process highlight the best aspects of Filipino cuisine—comforting, flavorful, and satisfying. Kinamatisang Manok is a dish that will not only fill your stomach but also warm your heart, making it a timeless classic in Filipino homes.