The Happy Home Cook: Pinaupong Manok

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Pinaupong Manok (Photo by Elizabeth Ann Quirino)

One of the specialties Tarlac province is known for is the Pinaupong Manok (Sitting Chicken) recipe created by longtime caterer Mrs. Catalina Panlilio Baron, fondly called Imang Ninay by friends and family. Her daughter Tinette, restaurateur and also a caterer, recalls how this chicken dish was created when her late father, Deogracias Baron, poultry business owner, had old layers of chicken which he couldn’t sell, because their meat was tough.

And since the Barons had nine children, this recipe, their version of fried chicken, was the answer to what to feed the large family. This is my kitchen-tested version, cooked in my American kitchen,  from the recipe inspired by Cristina Baron Romero, who originally used a whole roasting chicken.

Serves: 4
Prep time: 6 hours to overnight
Cooking time: 3 hours

Ingredients

3 to 4 pounds chicken cut-up, around 6 to 7 pieces, bone-in, skin-on

¼ cup Kosher salt

3 cups chicken broth

2 Tablespoons crushed garlic

For serving:

Steamed rice

Catsup – tomato or banana

Procedure

·      Rub the chicken pieces well, all over with the salt. Refrigerate the chicken, in a resealable plastic bag or covered container,  for at least 6 hours or up to overnight.

·      When ready to cook, arrange the chicken pieces in a Dutch Oven (Le Creuset), or any large stockpot, side by side.

·      Pour the broth. Add the garlic.

·      Over medium heat, simmer the chicken till tender, for about 2 ½ to 3 hours.

·      When the liquid reduces, the chicken will be tender.

·      At this point, allow the chicken to render its own fat.

·      Fry the chicken in its own fat till crisp. Turn the pieces over for even frying. This takes about 12 minutes.

·      Serve warm with catsup on the side, and steamed rice.

Cook’s comment:  In her original recipe, Cristina B. Romero, based in Tarlac, used a whole roasting chicken, and recommended that they be at least 45 days old.

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Elizabeth Ann Quirino, based in New Jersey, is a journalist, food writer and member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP). She blogs about Filipino home cooking and culinary travels to the Philippines on her site AsianInAmericamag.com.

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