Sunday, January 24, 2010

Just like home

My parents didn't cook very much when I was growing up, but there were a few dishes that they made a lot that I really loved! One of those was called adobo. It's a traditional Filipino dish that is really easy to make, with simple ingredients. Mr10yt loves it, and so do I!

If you don't make it in a crockpot, it can take some time to make. I'd say about 1.5 hours from start to finish for everything. But it's worth it.

My recipe isn't totally exact, but no decent Filipino recipe is.

Chicken Adobo Recipe
2 pounds bone-in chicken (you can use pork, beef, boneless chicken, whatever. I find that chicken wings and drummettes are easiest).
2 tablespoons cooking oil (I used EVOO)
2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup soy sauce
4 cups water (give or take a cup depending on how flavorful you want it to be)
7-ish cloves of garlic
7 bay leaves (optional)
1.5 - 2 tablespoons of peppercorns, or just plain pepper (optional)
1 large onion, cut into strips (optional) - I use brown or yellow onion

If you're using drumsticks, thighs, or breasts, I'd recommend boiling the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes in water just to get it cooked a bit. It lessens the time for cooking.

Saute garlic cloves.
Toss in the boiled chicken.
Pan fry for about 5 to 7 minutes
Put in the soy sauce, vinegar, water, peppercorns. Stir and bring to a boil. Stir.
Put the bay leaves in and onions on top.
Reduce heat to very low. Cover with lid but leave a crack for the steam to escape.
Simmer for about 30 to 45 minutes, or until the meat is falling off the bone.
Stir every 10 or so minutes. Taste as you go. If the sauce is too potent, add water to dilute. Too vinegary? Add more soy and/or water. Too soy saucy? Add more vinegar and/or water.
Makes about 4 large servings, 5 regular sized servings, or 6 diet-ish servings. =P

Best with steamed white rice! I put a lot of soup on my rice. Veggies on the side. Easy-ish meal with minimal ingredients. Plenty of leftovers for lunch!

I kind of felt like I was back home again.

Before the simmering starts, it looks a bit like this
IMG_1120

Brussel sprouts and butternut squash. Pan fried/saute with some olive oil and garlic salt.
IMG_1122

If you have a rice cooker, an easy way to make hardboiled eggs is to stick them into the pot once the rice is cooked and close the lid for another 10 minutes.
IMG_1121

Finished product!
IMG_1124

14 comments:

NorCalMrs said...

Yum, looks good! Your brussel sprouts are so green! Looking good.

Liz said...

I can't wait to try this! I've never had it before. Also loved the tip about hardboiled eggs.

Nanette said...

It's so neat to see how other families make this! We used different vinegar, no cooking oil or garlic or onions.

Yours still looks and sounds YUMMY!

wan said...

"My recipe isn't totally exact, but no decent Filipino recipe is."

this is so true.

Feminist Gold Digger said...

That looks fucking good. Except for the brussel sprouts, which made me fucking barf.

Unknown said...

I might have to give that one a shot! Thanks!!

Insomniac said...

I love peppercorns in adobo. I also use bay leaves and apple cider vinegar. My secret ingredient is fresh ginger. Love that stuff.

Claire said...

YUM!!!! When can I come over again for dinner?

And I love that tip about the hard-boiled eggs! Makes me want to get a rice cooker.

Yahpee said...

Looks yum! Great job!

The Lazy Housewife said...

Yum! I'm putting this on my list.

Marianne said...

I LOVE brussel sprouts. I wish hubs liked it.
I also tried to make adobo but it didn't taste so good. Maybe I'll try your recipe...did you say you cooked in the crockpot?

ssinca said...

that does look surprisingly easy and good!

and ditto, FGD. I don't do brussel sprouts but, hey, more for you!

dapotato said...

dude. i need to try this. you know how much i love adobo. too bad hubs isn't a huge fan. he's more of a lumpia guy himself.

Winnie said...

Oooooooh I've got to try this adobe recipe some time. Thanks for the hardboiled egg tip.