Chicken Pastil

 CHICKEN PASTIL

Filipino chicken pastil is a traditional dish commonly found in the southern regions of the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao. It's a simple yet flavorful meal typically made with shredded meat, usually chicken or beef. 

Filipino pastil is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a light meal. Feel free to customize the recipe according to your preferences by adding other ingredients like vegetables or seafood.

Learn how to make Chicken Pastil, a traditional Filipino dish packed with flavorful shredded chicken and aromatic spices. This recipe offers step-by-step instructions for creating a delicious pastil without the use of banana leaves, making it accessible to home cooks worldwide. Discover the cooking procedure, essential ingredients, and optional garnishes to elevate your dining experience. Whether you're exploring Filipino cuisine or seeking a comforting meal, Chicken Pastil is sure to delight your taste buds.

What are the benefits of its ingredients?

CHICKEN: 

• Protein: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Vitamins and Minerals: It contains vitamins such as B vitamins (niacin, vitamin B6, etc.) and minerals like phosphorus and selenium, which are important for various bodily functions.
• Low in Fat: Skinless chicken breast, often used in pastil, is low in fat compared to other cuts, making it a healthier option.   

GARLIC:

• Antioxidants: Garlic is rich in antioxidants, such as allicin, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and protect against oxidative damage.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: It contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially benefiting heart health and reducing the risk of certain diseases.
• Immune Support: Garlic is believed to have immune-boosting properties, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses.  

ONION:

• Quercetin: Onions contain quercetin, a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may have various health benefits, including heart health and cancer prevention.
• Vitamin C: They are a good source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
• Prebiotic Fiber: Onions contain prebiotic fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria, promoting digestive health. 
    
  
  
  

GINGER:

• Digestive Aid: Ginger is well-known for its ability to aid digestion. It can help alleviate digestive discomfort, reduce bloating, and stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, promoting better digestion of the meal.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Ginger contains bioactive compounds such as gingerol, which have potent anti-inflammatory effects. Including ginger in the recipe may help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially benefiting overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
• Nausea Relief: Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for nausea and motion sickness. Adding ginger to the chicken pastil may help alleviate any feelings of nausea and contribute to overall gastrointestinal comfort.
• Immune Support: Ginger is rich in antioxidants, which can help strengthen the immune system and protect the body against infections and illnesses. Including ginger in the recipe may provide, 
• an additional immune-boosting effect.
• Pain Relief: Ginger has analgesic properties and may help reduce pain and discomfort, whether it's related to inflammation or general muscle soreness. Consuming ginger regularly as part of the chicken pastil may contribute to overall pain management.
• Heart Health: Some research suggests that ginger may help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, which are important factors for heart health. Including ginger in the recipe may offer cardiovascular benefits.      

     

OLIVE OIL:

• Heart Health: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy fats. Regular consumption of olive oil as part of a balanced diet may help lower the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation.
• Antioxidants: Olive oil contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants contribute to overall health and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: The polyphenols found in olive oil have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions.
• Digestive Health: Olive oil has been associated with improved digestive health. It may help prevent or alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders, such as gastritis and ulcerative colitis, by promoting the production of bile and aiding in the digestion of food.
• Skin Health: Olive oil is often used in skincare products due to its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. Consuming olive oil may contribute to healthy skin from the inside out, helping to keep the skin hydrated and protected from damage.

SOY SAUCE: 

Umami Flavor: Soy sauce is rich in glutamates, which contribute to its savory and umami taste. Adding soy sauce to the chicken pastil can deepen the flavor of the dish and make it more satisfying.

 Salty Taste: Soy sauce adds saltiness to the dish, enhancing its overall taste. It helps balance the flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the ingredients.

Rich Color: Soy sauce lends a rich brown color to the chicken pastil, making it more visually appealing.

Aromatics: Soy sauce often contains other flavoring ingredients such as garlic and ginger, which can further enhance the aroma and taste of the dish.

Nutritional Benefits: Soy sauce contains essential amino acids and minerals such as iron, potassium, and manganese. While the amounts may be small, incorporating soy sauce into the chicken pastil adds some nutritional value to the dish.

RICE:

• Carbohydrates: Rice is a carbohydrate-rich food that provides energy to fuel daily activities.
• Fiber: Depending on the type of rice used (e.g., brown rice), it can provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain bowel regularity.
• B Vitamins: Rice contains B vitamins like niacin and thiamine, which are important for metabolism and energy production.

While these ingredients offer various potential benefits, it's important to consume them as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods to ensure you get all the essential nutrients your body needs.

WHAT ARE THE UTENSILS NEEDED?

1. Knife: For chopping ingredients such as garlic, onion, and tomatoes, as well as cutting the banana leaves to size.
2. Cutting Board: To provide a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
3. Pan or Skillet: For sautéing the aromatics and heating the shredded chicken.
4. Pot with Steamer Insert: To steam the wrapped pastils until they are heated through.
5. Tongs or Forks: For handling the banana leaves and transferring the pastils to and from the steamer.
6. Serving Plates or Platter: For serving the cooked chicken pastils.

These utensils should cover all your needs for preparing, cooking, and serving chicken pastil.

Adjustments can be made based on personal preferences and the equipment available in your kitchen.

HOW TO COOK CHICKEN PASTIL

Here's a basic recipe to make Filipino chicken pastil:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 large chicken breast, shredded 
• 1 large violet onion
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 1 big knob of ginger 
• Soy sauce, half glass
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: and tomatoes for added flavor
• Optonal: Banana leaves (for wrapping)

Instructions:

  

1. Boil the whole chicken breast with tanglas leaves, salt and pepper. let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken breast from the boiling water then set aside to cool down. Once it cooled shred them.
2. Prepare the chicken mixture: In a pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the chopped ginger and cook until softened. Add the shredded chicken to the pan, season with soy sauce, salt and pepper to taste, and mix well. Cook until the chicken is heated through and well combined with the other ingredients.
3. Prepare the rice: Bring 2 cups of rice in a pot. Rinse two times with running water, add 1 and a half cup of neew water them bring to boil in medium heat. Once it boil lower the heat and cover until well cooked.
4. Garnish (optional): Garnish the chicken pastil with chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro, with spicy red or green chilli, parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
5. Serve: Serve the chicken pastil immediately while warm, allowing everyone to mix the rice and chicken together before enjoying.

To serve chicken pastil, you can follow this steps:

1. Unwrap:

Carefully unwrap the cooked chicken pastil from the banana leaves. Ensure you remove any toothpicks or kitchen twine used to secure the wrapping.

2. Plate:

Place the unwrapped chicken pastil onto individual serving plates or a large serving platter if you're serving a group.

5. Serve Warm:

Chicken pastil is best served warm, so make sure to serve it immediately after unwrapping and garnishing. Enjoy it while it's still hot!

6. Family Style or Individual Portions:

You can serve chicken pastil family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves from a communal platter, or you can portion it out onto individual plates before serving.

7. Enjoy:

Invite your family and friends to dig in and enjoy the delicious flavors of the chicken pastil. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for sharing and enjoying together.