Filipino Chicken Pastel is a beloved, hearty dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with a medley of savory ingredients in a thick, creamy sauce. This rich casserole is made even more delightful with the addition of hotdogs, chorizo, potatoes, and carrots, all sautéed together with aromatic spices.

The dish begins with chicken pieces marinated in soy sauce and black pepper, infusing them with flavor. The chicken is then cooked with garlic and onions, adding a fragrant base. Hotdogs and chorizo slices are introduced to the mix, providing a savory, slightly smoky taste. Diced potatoes and carrots contribute to the hearty texture and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.

Once the vegetables are tender and the meats are cooked, the mixture is simmered in evaporated milk and chicken broth, creating a luscious, creamy consistency. Green peas are added for a pop of color and subtle sweetness. The final touch is a generous helping of grated cheese, which melts into the sauce, adding richness and depth.

Baking the dish in a cheese casserole not only melds the flavors together but also creates a bubbly, golden topping that’s irresistibly delicious. The result is a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Filipino Chicken Pastel is traditionally served with steamed white rice, but it also pairs wonderfully with freshly baked bread, making it a versatile and beloved staple in Filipino cuisine.

Filipino Chicken Pastel Recipe

Recipe by Yummy FoodCourse: MainCuisine: FilipinoDifficulty: Medium

Filipino Chicken Pastel is a beloved, hearty dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with a medley of savory ingredients in a thick, creamy sauce.

Ingredients

1 kg chicken, cut into serving pieces
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 pieces chorizo, sliced
3 pieces hotdogs, sliced
2 medium potatoes, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
1 cup green peas
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated cheese
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt to taste

Directions

In a large bowl, marinate the chicken pieces with soy sauce and ground black pepper for at least 30 minutes.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent.
Add the chorizo and hotdogs, cooking until slightly browned.
Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides.
Stir in the potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms (if using). Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the evaporated milk and green peas. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Add grated cheese and stir until melted and well incorporated.
Season with salt and additional ground black pepper to taste.
Bake (Optional):
For a richer flavor, transfer the mixture to a cheese casserole.
Top with additional grated cheese.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Filipino Chicken Pastel Serving Suggestions

Filipino Chicken Pastel is best enjoyed with steamed white rice, but it also pairs wonderfully with freshly baked bread or rolls. This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner, and its creamy, savory goodness makes it a hit with both kids and adults.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Pastel is a true testament to the delicious fusion of flavors in Filipino cuisine. Its rich and creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken and flavorful vegetables, makes it a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for guests, Chicken Pastel is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy this delightful Filipino classic and savor the warmth and richness it brings to your table.

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IMAGE: Matereco, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Indulge in Sweet Symphony: The Irresistible Allure of Filipino Fruit Salad

Filipino Fruit Salad, also known simply as “fruit salad,” is a popular dessert in the Philippines. It is often served during special occasions and celebrations, especially during the Christmas season. Filipino Fruit Salad is known for its sweet and creamy flavor, and it typically includes a mix of canned and fresh fruits combined with a sweetened cream mixture. Here’s a basic recipe:

At the heart of every Filipino Fruit Salad is a symphony of flavors and textures. Canned fruit cocktail, pineapple chunks, diced peaches, nata de coco (coconut gel), and kaong (sugar palm fruit) come together in a harmonious blend, creating a visually stunning and mouthwatering medley. Each bite offers a burst of sweetness, a hint of tartness, and a satisfying crunch, making it a true celebration for the taste buds.

What elevates Filipino Fruit Salad to a league of its own is the decadent cream mixture that envelops the colorful fruits. A luxurious blend of sweetened condensed milk and either all-purpose cream or whipped cream, this velvety concoction transforms the medley of fruits into a creamy, dreamy delight. The interplay of sweetness and creaminess is nothing short of magical, creating a dessert that lingers on the palate and leaves a lasting impression.

For those looking to add a surprising twist, the optional addition of grated cheese introduces a delightful contrast. The savory notes of the cheese cut through the sweetness, offering a unique depth of flavor that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a testament to the Filipino knack for balancing diverse elements to create a culinary masterpiece.

One of the remarkable aspects of Filipino Fruit Salad is its versatility. Whether gracing the table at Christmas feasts, birthdays, or simple family gatherings, this dessert is a symbol of joy and togetherness. Its simple preparation allows for creativity, with variations that suit individual preferences – some may opt for condensed milk, marshmallows, or raisins, adding a personal touch to this beloved dish.

Filipino Fruit Salad is not merely a dessert; it is a vessel for cherished memories and traditions passed down through generations. As families gather around to prepare this delightful treat, the kitchen becomes a place of laughter, storytelling, and the sharing of secrets that make each batch unique.

In the world of Filipino sweets, the Filipino Fruit Salad stands tall as a testament to the nation’s love for celebration, family, and the simple joys of life. Its vibrant colors, diverse flavors, and the warmth it brings to any occasion make it a dish that captures the essence of Filipino hospitality – a sweet invitation to indulge in the richness of culture and culinary heritage. So, the next time you savor a spoonful of this delectable dessert, know that you’re not just tasting the fruits and cream; you’re experiencing a piece of Filipino tradition and the sweet symphony it brings to the table.

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Here’s a basic recipe:

Easy Filipino Fruit Salad Recipe

Recipe by Yummy FoodCourse: Dessert, SaladsCuisine: Other world cuisineDifficulty: Easy

Ingredients

1 can (about 15 ounces) fruit cocktail, drained
1 can (about 15 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
1 can (about 15 ounces) peaches, drained and diced
1 cup nata de coco (coconut gel), drained
1 cup kaong (sugar palm fruit), drained
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup all-purpose cream or whipped cream
1 cup cheese, grated (optional)
Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Fruits:
Drain the canned fruits thoroughly. If needed, dice the larger fruits like peaches into bite-sized pieces.
Combine Fruits:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained fruit cocktail, pineapple chunks, diced peaches, nata de coco, and kaong. Gently toss the fruits to mix them evenly.
Prepare the Cream Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk and all-purpose cream or whipped cream. Adjust the sweetness and creaminess according to your preference.
Combine Everything:
Pour the cream mixture over the mixed fruits. Gently fold the cream into the fruits until everything is well-coated.
Add Cheese (Optional):
If desired, add grated cheese to the fruit salad mixture. This is a common variation that adds a salty contrast to the sweetness of the fruits.
Chill:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the fruit salad for at least a few hours or overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and enhances the creaminess.
Garnish (Optional):
Before serving, garnish the Filipino Fruit Salad with maraschino cherries on top for a festive touch.

Filipino Fruit Salad is a delightful and colorful dessert that is loved for its refreshing taste. It’s a staple at gatherings and celebrations in Filipino households. Keep in mind that variations of this recipe exist, and some people may add other ingredients like condensed milk, marshmallows, or raisins, depending on personal preferences.

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