Tinolang Manok sa Ampalaya (Chicken Ginger Soup with Bitter Melon)

Testing out recipes on a daily basis, especially for the blog, you tend to forget to eat healthier. Healthy food is a tough sell in any household, but now, more than ever, it is a must. I've written about the health benefits of bitter melon, but I doubt too many people can even begin to get past the bitter part of the vegetable. My wife and I love the vegetable and anything that will help keep diabetes away is a welcome staple in my diet.

Rainy days here in Florida reminds us of Philippines and what better way to enjoy the rain with some soup. Tinola, traditionally is a basic chicken soup flavored with ginger usually accompanied by papaya and water spinach. This particular recipe is a rendition coming from my wife's province. Bitter melon is widely used in dishes in the norther part of Philippines. I enjoy this vegetable as a stir fry, such as Stir Fried Bitter Melon with Shrimp, but a little less oil and cholesterol was the mission for the night and I think we did well. The bean thread noodles makes the soup a bit heartier so eating it with rice is optional......... so I thought.

Tinolang Manok sa Ampalaya (Chicken Ginger Soup with Bitter Melon)

Tinolang Manok sa Ampalaya (Chicken Ginger Soup with Bitter Melon)

1/2 lb chicken breast cut into large cubes
1 whole bitter melon seeded and sliced diagonally into 1/2 inch pieces
1 thumb sized nob of ginger smashed
 3 cloves garlic
1/2 small onion sliced thin
1 cup dried bean thread noodles
2 tbsp fish sauce (optional, you can use salt to taste)
black pepper to taste
4 cups water or chicken stock

Below is our first instructional video. Let us know how you like it! Enjoy the dish! :)