Chicken Soup with Misua is a warm and comforting dish, especially popular in Filipino cuisine. Misua are thin wheat noodles, and they pair perfectly with a flavorful chicken broth. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious and hearty soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into pieces (or 4-6 chicken thighs)
- 6 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 stalk celery, chopped (optional)
- 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce (or salt, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 100g (about 3.5 oz) misua noodles
- 1 bunch spinach or other leafy greens (optional, for added nutrition)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon or calamansi (optional, for a citrusy kick)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Broth:
- In a large pot, add the chicken pieces and pour in the 6 cups of water (or chicken broth). Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
- Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface to keep the broth clear.
- Let the chicken cook for 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken meat off the bones and discard the skin and bones.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the carrots, celery, and potato (if using) to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Combine Everything:
- Add the sautéed vegetables and aromatics into the chicken broth.
- Season with fish sauce (or salt), pepper, and soy sauce (optional). Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the Misua Noodles:
- Break the misua noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the pot. Stir gently to separate them.
- Let the soup cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the misua noodles are fully cooked.
5. Add the Chicken and Greens:
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pot, along with any juice from the chicken.
- If using spinach or any leafy greens, add them at this point and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until the greens wilt.
6. Final Touches:
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more fish sauce, salt, or pepper to your liking.
- If desired, add a squeeze of lemon or calamansi for a fresh citrus flavor.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the chicken soup with misua into bowls and serve hot. It’s perfect as a comforting meal on a cold day or when you need something light but hearty.
- You can serve it with a side of crispy fried garlic or a sprinkle of fried onions for extra flavor and crunch.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Soup with Misua! It’s a light yet satisfying meal with a lovely balance of flavors. Would you like any additional tips or variations for this dish?