What To Know
- Upo with chicken is a classic Filipino dish that combines the refreshing taste of upo (bottle gourd) with the savory flavor of chicken.
- Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the upo is tender.
- It is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for people who are looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Upo with chicken is a classic Filipino dish that combines the refreshing taste of upo (bottle gourd) with the savory flavor of chicken. This simple yet satisfying dish is a staple in many Filipino households and is often enjoyed as a comforting meal during the rainy season. In this blog post, we will share an easy-to-follow upo with chicken recipe that you can try at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized upo (bottle gourd), peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the upo. Peel the upo and cut it into chunks. You can cut the upo into any shape you like, such as cubes or slices.
2. Marinate the chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the soy sauce, fish sauce, black pepper, and salt. Mix well and let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Sauté the onion and garlic. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the chicken. Once the onion and garlic are softened, add the marinated chicken to the pot. Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the upo and liquid. Add the upo chunks to the pot along with the chicken broth and water. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the upo is tender.
6. Thicken the sauce (optional). If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the pot and stir until the sauce thickens.
7. Season to taste. Taste the upo with chicken and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more soy sauce, fish sauce, salt, or pepper to your liking.
Tips:
- For a more flavorful dish, use a combination of chicken broth and water.
- If you don’t have fish sauce, you can use more soy sauce instead.
- You can add other vegetables to this dish, such as carrots, green beans, or tomatoes.
- Serve upo with chicken with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.
Variations:
- Spicy upo with chicken: Add 1-2 chopped chili peppers to the pot along with the onion and garlic.
- Sour upo with chicken: Add 1/4 cup of tamarind paste to the pot along with the chicken broth and water.
- Sweet upo with chicken: Add 1/4 cup of brown sugar to the pot along with the chicken broth and water.
Health Benefits of Upo with Chicken:
Upo with chicken is not only delicious but also nutritious. Upo is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for people who are looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Chicken is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
How to Choose the Best Upo:
When choosing an upo for this recipe, look for a firm and heavy upo with a smooth, green skin. Avoid upos that are soft or have blemishes.
What to Serve with Upo with Chicken:
Upo with chicken is typically served with steamed rice. However, you can also serve it with other side dishes such as:
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Boiled or mashed potatoes
- Fried plantains
- Pickled vegetables
Key Points:
Upo with chicken is a simple yet satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you are looking for a comforting and healthy meal, give this upo with chicken recipe a try.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the upo with chicken according to the instructions and then let it cool completely. Store the upo with chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the upo with chicken over medium heat until warmed through.
Q: What are some other ways to cook upo?
A: Upo can be cooked in a variety of ways. You can stir-fry it, boil it, steam it, or even grill it. Upo is also a great addition to soups and stews.
