Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of the Philippines with this irresistible Afritada recipe! This classic Filipino dish is not just a meal, but a celebration of flavors that will make your family and friends beg for seconds. Tony Fernando's style of Afritada brings a unique twist to this beloved comfort food, combining tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce that will have everyone at the table asking for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Filipino
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the chicken into pieces, dice the potatoes, slice the carrot and bell pepper, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. This will ensure a smooth cooking process.
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the chicken is browned, add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot. Stir well to combine the vegetables with the chicken.
- Pour in the can of tomato sauce and the cup of water. Stir the mixture well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 30 minutes, add the sliced bell pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and allow it to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Once everything is cooked through, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Afritada is best enjoyed with steamed rice.
Tips
- Choose the right chicken: Use fresh, bone-in chicken pieces for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Prep is key: Chop all ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and stress-free cooking process.
- Brown the chicken carefully: Take your time browning the chicken to develop a deep, rich flavor base for the dish.
- Low and slow: Simmer the dish on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become incredibly tender.
- Don't rush the vegetables: Add softer vegetables like bell peppers later to prevent overcooking and maintain their crisp texture.
- Sauce consistency matters: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Let it rest: Allow the Afritada to sit for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors settle and intensify.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with steamed white rice to soak up all the delicious sauce and complete the authentic Filipino dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
