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October 27, 2024
Afritadang manok is a popular Filipino dish made with chicken, bell peppers, and tomatoes. It is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for family meals or special occasions. The word “afritada” comes from the Spanish word “fritada,” which means “fried.” This dish is typically made by sautéing the chicken in garlic and onions, then adding the vegetables and simmering it all together in a rich tomato sauce.
One of the key ingredients in afritadang manok is bell peppers, which add a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. The chicken is usually simmered in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and tomato sauce, giving it a rich and savory taste. Afritadang manok is often served with steamed rice, and the sauce can be poured over the rice for added flavor.
To make afritadang manok, start by sautéing the chicken in a pan with garlic and onions until it is browned and cooked through. Then, add the bell peppers and tomatoes and cook them until they are slightly softened. Next, pour in the soy sauce, vinegar, and tomato sauce, and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot with steamed rice.
Preparation of ingredients
Before starting to cook afritadang manok, it is necessary to prepare the following ingredients:
1. Chicken – Use about 2 pounds of chicken, preferably bone-in, cut into serving pieces.
2. Potatoes – Peel and chop 2 large potatoes into bite-sized cubes.
3. Carrots – Peel and slice 2 medium-sized carrots into thin rounds.
4. Bell peppers – Remove the seeds and chop 1 green bell pepper and 1 red bell pepper into small pieces.
5. Onion – Peel and chop 1 medium-sized onion.
6. Garlic – Peel and mince 4 cloves of garlic.
7. Tomato sauce – Prepare 1 cup of tomato sauce.
8. Chicken broth – Have 1 cup of chicken broth ready.
9. Soy sauce – Prepare 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
10. Cooking oil – Have 2 tablespoons of cooking oil on hand.
11. Salt and pepper – Prepare salt and pepper to taste.
Make sure to have all the ingredients ready and within reach before proceeding with the cooking process.
Marinating the chicken
Marinating the chicken is an essential step in making delicious afritadang manok. It helps to infuse the chicken with flavor and tenderize the meat.
To marinate the chicken, start by washing it thoroughly under running water. Pat it dry with a paper towel and then cut it into serving-sized pieces.
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the marinade ingredients. The marinade usually consists of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, onion, and ground black pepper. You can also add bay leaves and tomato sauce for extra flavor.
Make sure that all the chicken pieces are coated evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or put the chicken and marinade in a ziplock bag. Place it in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
Remember to turn the chicken or mix it around in the marinade every once in a while to ensure that all sides are evenly marinated.
Once the chicken is well marinated, it is ready to be cooked for the afritada. Remove it from the marinade and proceed with the recipe.
Tip: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. However, be careful not to marinate it for too long, as the acid in the marinade can break down the proteins and make the meat mushy.
Sautéing the aromatics
Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers. Sauté over medium heat until the onions become translucent and the peppers are slightly softened.
Tip: Sautéing the aromatics at this stage will help develop their flavors and add depth to the dish.
Next, add the tomato paste and cook for a minute or two to remove the raw flavor. Stir in the diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Note: Chicken broth enhances the savory flavor of the dish, but you can substitute it with water if desired.
Adding the chicken and vegetables
Once the tomatoes have softened and released their juices, it is time to add the chicken and vegetables to the pot.
Ingredients needed:
- 500g chicken, cut into serving pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 cup green peas
1. Heat some oil in a large pot or pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot and cook until they turn translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides. This will help lock in the flavor and juices of the chicken.
4. Once the chicken is browned, add the sliced red bell peppers, carrots, and green peas to the pot. Stir everything together to ensure that the chicken and vegetables are evenly distributed.
5. Cover the pot and let the chicken and vegetables cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
6. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
7. Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, you can adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Add salt and pepper as needed.
8. Let the afritada simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Serve the afritada hot with steamed rice and enjoy!
Simmering the dish
Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, it’s time to simmer the dish to bring out all the flavors. Simmering allows the ingredients to meld together and creates a rich and delicious sauce.
To simmer the afritadang manok, reduce the heat on your stovetop to low. Place the lid on the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will give the dish enough time to develop its flavors and for the chicken to become tender.
While simmering, make sure to check the dish occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. You can give it a gentle stir or shake the pot gently to distribute the flavors evenly.
The longer you simmer the afritadang manok, the richer the flavors will become. Some people prefer to simmer it for up to an hour to achieve a more intense taste. However, 15-20 minutes of simmering should be sufficient to bring out the flavors.
Once the dish is done simmering, you can remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and make it more appetizing.
Pro tip:
If you want to further enhance the flavors, you can add a teaspoon of sugar or a squeeze of calamansi juice during the simmering process. This will add a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the dish.
Final thoughts
Simmering the afritadang manok is an important step in the cooking process. It allows the flavors to develop and creates a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for any occasion. So make sure to give it enough time to simmer and enjoy the deliciousness!
Serving and garnishing
- Once the afritadang manok is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley leaves for added freshness and flavor.
- Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to enhance the taste.
- If desired, sprinkle some crushed black pepper on top for an extra kick.
- Serve the afritadang manok hot with steamed rice or a side of bread.
- You can also pair it with vegetables like carrots and potatoes for a complete meal.
- Don’t forget to provide utensils such as forks and spoons for easy eating.
- Enjoy your homemade afritadang manok with family and friends!
Q&A
What is afritadang manok?
Afritadang manok is a Filipino dish made of chicken cooked in a tomato-based sauce with vegetables like potatoes and carrots.
How do I cook afritadang manok?
To cook afritadang manok, you will need chicken, garlic, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, tomato sauce, and some seasonings. First, sauté the garlic, onions, and tomatoes in oil. Then add the chicken and cook until it’s browned. Add the tomato sauce and some water, and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Finally, add the potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, and cook until the vegetables are tender. Serve hot with rice.
Can I use other meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use other meat like pork or beef instead of chicken to make afritadang manok. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats require different cooking times.
What other vegetables can I add?
Aside from potatoes and carrots, you can also add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or even mushrooms to your afritadang manok. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some vegetables cook faster than others.
Can I make afritadang manok in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make afritadang manok in a slow cooker. Simply follow the same steps of sautéing the garlic, onions, and tomatoes, and browning the chicken. Then transfer everything to the slow cooker, add the tomato sauce, water, and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers during the last hour of cooking.