Afritada, a popular Filipino dish, is a delightful showcase of Spanish influence on Filipino cuisine. This hearty stew combines chicken, potatoes, and bell peppers in a rich tomato-based sauce, making it a favorite in households across the Philippines. It’s known for its simplicity and the comforting blend of flavors that appeal to all ages. Below is an easy-to-follow recipe to bring this classic dish to your table.
Ingredients:
Chicken: 1 kg, cut into serving pieces
Potatoes: 3 medium, peeled and quartered
Carrots: 2 medium, sliced
Bell peppers: 1 red and 1 green, sliced into strips
Onion: 1 large, chopped
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Tomato sauce: 1 cup
Chicken broth: 1 cup
Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
Bay leaves: 2
Peas: 1/2 cup
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking oil
Instructions:
Preparation:
Begin by heating oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onions until they’re soft and translucent. This creates a flavorful base for your afritada.
Add the chicken pieces to the pan, and lightly brown them on all sides. This not only improves the texture but also locks in the flavors.
Building the stew:
Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is well-covered. Stir in the soy sauce and add bay leaves for that distinctive aroma.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 20 minutes.
Vegetables:
Add the quartered potatoes and sliced carrots to the pan. These should be tender but not mushy, so keep an eye on them after adding.
After the potatoes and carrots have cooked for about 10 minutes, incorporate the bell peppers and peas. Continue to simmer the stew until all the vegetables are tender.
Final seasoning:
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The flavor should be a rich blend of the tangy tomato sauce with the savory depth of the soy sauce and chicken.
Serving:
Serve your afritada hot, ideally over a bed of steamed rice to absorb the delicious sauce.
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions to add a fresh contrast to the hearty stew.
Cooking Tips:
Chicken choice: Using a mix of chicken parts (thighs, drumsticks, and breasts) enhances the flavor and texture of the afritada.
Sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few additional minutes to reduce it. For a thicker sauce, some flour or cornstarch dissolved in water can be added.
Variations: While chicken is traditional, you can also use pork or even seafood to make variations of this dish, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Chicken Afritada is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting reminder of family, home, and the simple pleasures of eating together. This recipe not only invites warmth with its savory, hearty flavors but also offers a piece of Filipino heritage that can be passed down through generations. Enjoy cooking this delightful stew and bring a taste of the Philippines to your dinner table.
Exploring Afritada’s Rich Cultural Heritage
Chicken Afritada, like many Filipino dishes, is deeply embedded in the country’s colonial history. The dish is a product of the Spanish influence during their 300-year rule in the Philippines. The name “Afritada” itself is derived from “fritada,” which means “fried” in Spanish, referring to the initial step of frying the meat before stewing it in tomato sauce. This cooking method has been adopted and adapted into the local culinary practices, making Afritada a unique blend of Spanish and Filipino flavors.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken Afritada is not only flavorful but also offers various nutritional benefits. Here’s what makes it a wholesome choice:
Protein-Rich: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
Vitamins and Minerals: Vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers are high in vitamins A and C, which are important for immune health and skin integrity.
Fiber: The vegetables also contribute dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
Balanced Meal: Served with rice, Afritada becomes a balanced meal with carbohydrates, protein, and fat, making it a satisfying and nutritious option.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
While traditionally served with rice, Chicken Afritada can also be enjoyed with other accompaniments or variations:
Bread: For a lighter option, serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Low-Carb Version: Those watching their carbohydrate intake can serve it with cauliflower rice or over a bed of steamed vegetables.
Spicy Twist: Add a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of chili flakes for those who prefer a bit of heat.
Making Afritada a Part of Your Cooking Repertoire
Including Chicken Afritada in your cooking repertoire allows you to explore Filipino cuisine’s rich flavors and cooking techniques. It’s a dish that can be prepared in advance and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Whether for a simple family dinner or a festive gathering, Afritada is versatile and sure to please any crowd.
Chicken Afritada is more than just a meal; it is a celebration of Filipino culture and history. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a beloved dish among Filipinos and a must-try for those looking to dive into Filipino culinary traditions. With its simple preparation and robust flavors, Chicken Afritada exemplifies the comfort and community that Filipino cuisine is known for. So, gather your ingredients, and let the warmth of this classic dish bring together family and friends around your dining table.
