Welcome to Mama's kitchen, where the aroma of home-cooked comfort food wafts through the air, inviting all to share in the warmth and love of family. Today, we're exploring a beloved dish in Filipino cuisine, Chicken Sotanghon Soup, a heartwarming and nourishing soup that's perfect for rainy days or when you need a comforting bowl of deliciousness. This guide will walk you through making Chicken Sotanghon Soup at home with ease, ensuring that every spoonful is as flavorful as Mama's.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's a shopping list for crafting the perfect Chicken Sotanghon Soup:
- 250 grams of sotanghon noodles (bean thread noodles)
- 1 kilo of chicken (parts or whole chicken, cut into pieces)
- 2 liters of water (or chicken broth for added flavor)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1 small cabbage, shredded
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- Spring onions and fried garlic for garnish
- Calamansi or lemon (optional for serving)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepping the Chicken
First, start by washing the chicken parts thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. If using a whole chicken, cut it into manageable pieces for quicker cooking.
2. Boiling the Chicken
In a large pot, add the chicken pieces and pour in 2 liters of water or chicken broth. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce to low heat and simmer for about 30-45 minutes until the chicken is tender. Skim off any scum that rises to the surface.
Remove the chicken and let it cool. Reserve the broth for later use. Shred or cube the chicken meat once it’s cool enough to handle.
3. Preparing the Soup Base
In another pot or the same one after cleaning, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add the onions and cook until translucent.
4. Adding Vegetables and Flavor
Stir in the carrots and shredded cabbage, cooking for about 2-3 minutes. Add the chicken back into the pot along with the fish sauce, salt, black pepper, and bouillon cubes (if using). Pour in the reserved chicken broth, stir well, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Cooking the Sotanghon Noodles
While the soup is simmering, soak the sotanghon noodles in warm water until they’re soft. This should take about 10 minutes. Drain and add the noodles to the soup. Continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes until the noodles are cooked but still have a good bite.
🥣 Note: Soaking the noodles before cooking will help them to cook evenly and not clump together.
6. Garnishing and Serving
Finally, taste and adjust seasoning with salt or fish sauce. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped spring onions and fried garlic, and serve with a wedge of calamansi or lemon on the side for a squeeze of freshness.
| Serving Tips | Add more broth if you prefer a soupier version or reduce it for a more concentrated flavor. |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain noodle texture. |
In closing, Chicken Sotanghon Soup is a testament to the simple, yet flavorful joys of Filipino comfort food. Its comforting warmth, combined with the tender chicken, soft noodles, and crisp vegetables, makes it a staple in any Filipino kitchen. Making this soup is not just about feeding the body; it's about nourishing the soul with memories of family gatherings and warm hugs from the kitchen. Whether you're enjoying it on a rainy day or sharing it with loved ones, this soup brings people together, just like Mama’s cooking always has.
Can I make Chicken Sotanghon Soup ahead of time?
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Yes, you can prepare the soup base (chicken, broth, and vegetables) ahead of time. Just add the noodles when reheating the soup to ensure they maintain their texture.
What other vegetables can I add?
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You can include other vegetables like sayote (chayote), spinach, or bok choy. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly so they retain their texture.
What can I substitute for fish sauce if I’m avoiding seafood?
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You can use soy sauce or salt to taste as an alternative to fish sauce, although you’ll miss out on the unique umami flavor.
