Pro Tips
**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- Skim the scum that rises to the surface during the first boil for a clear, clean broth.
- Add salt or fish sauce only at the end of cooking so the broth does not become too salty as it reduces.
- Simmer soup gently rather than boiling vigorously to keep the broth clear.
- For crispy chicken, avoid flipping too often — let each side cook undisturbed to develop a crust.
Cooking Tips
For maximum flavor, season the chicken at least 30 minutes before cooking — ideally overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the marinade to penetrate beyond the surface. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast, away from the bone.
Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken alternatives: Pork shoulder or boneless thigh meat can substitute for chicken in stews. For lighter fare, extra-firm tofu or seitan works in stir-fries and braises. Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.
Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin Soup — a Filipino chicken dish with local spices and herbs. A comforting meal passed down through generations.
Instructions
- Place the calabaza in a baking tray, and then sprinkle ground black pepper and garlic powder on the calabaza.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the calabaza for 18 to 20 minutes.
- Remove the calabaza from the oven and set aside until it cools down.
- Place the calabaza in a blender along with onions and chicken broth, and then blend until smooth.
- Heat a cooking pot and pour-in the calabaza puree. Let boil.
- Add salt and heavy whipping cream, and then cook for 15 minutes.
- Turn the heat off, and then transfer to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with dried parsley.
- Serve hot.
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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Skim the scum that rises to the surface during the first boil for a clear, clean broth.
- Add salt or fish sauce only at the end of cooking so the broth does not become too salty as it reduces.
- Simmer soup gently rather than boiling vigorously to keep the broth clear.
- For crispy chicken, avoid flipping too often — let each side cook undisturbed to develop a crust.
Cooking Tips
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast, away from the bone.
Substitutions
Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.
Storage & Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
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