Authentic Filipino Afritada: A Traditional Chicken and Vegetable Stew Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 kg chicken, cut into serving pieces
  • 2 medium potatoes, quartered
  • 1 large carrot, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup of green peas
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 chicken cube
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the cooking oil in a pan.
  2. Add the garlic and onion and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until lightly browned.
  4. Add the tomato sauce, water, and chicken cube to the pan. Stir well and bring to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
  6. Add the carrots and potatoes to the pan. Cook for another 10 minutes.
  7. Add the red and green bell peppers and the green peas to the pan. Cook for 5 more minutes.
  8. Add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste. Stir well.
  9. Continue to simmer until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
  10. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.
  11. Enjoy your Afritada hot with a side of steamed rice.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used to safely chop and prepare the ingredients.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting the chicken, vegetables, and other ingredients.
  • Large pan - Used to cook the Afritada and simmer the sauce.
  • Spatula - Helps in stirring and flipping the ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring cups - Used to accurately measure the tomato sauce, water, and other liquids.
  • Measuring spoons - Helps in measuring the spices and seasonings.
  • Ladle - Used for scooping and serving the Afritada.
  • Serving dish - A plate or bowl to present and serve the finished Afritada.

Recipe variations

  • Use pork or beef instead of chicken for a different meat option.
  • Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist.
  • Include other vegetables such as green beans or corn.
  • Spice it up by adding chili flakes or chopped chili peppers.
  • Replace tomato sauce with fresh tomatoes for a more rustic flavor.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme or paprika.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting tofu or tempeh for the meat.
  • For a creamier sauce, add coconut milk or cream.
  • Try using different types of bell peppers like yellow or orange for a colorful presentation.
  • Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for a tangier taste.

Recipe overview

Our Afritada recipe is a traditional Filipino dish that is both heartwarming and delectable. With a medley of chicken, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and green peas simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Its comforting and hearty qualities make it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. As you follow this straightforward recipe, you can expect to create a meal that's fragrant and tasty with a beautiful blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. Enjoy this classic Filipino Afritada with a side of steamed rice for a fully satisfying meal!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other meats instead of chicken? Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork, beef, or even seafood like shrimp or fish.
  2. Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like green beans, cabbage, or even mushrooms to personalize your Afritada.
  3. How spicy is Afritada? Afritada is not typically a spicy dish, but if you prefer some heat, you can add a few pieces of chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce.
  4. Can I make Afritada in advance? Yes, you can make Afritada in advance. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
  5. Can I freeze leftover Afritada? Certainly! Allow the Afritada to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it properly before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pan - A large, deep pan to cook the Afritada.
  • Spatula - A flat utensil used for stirring and flipping ingredients in the pan.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the chicken, potatoes, and carrots.
  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Measuring cups - To accurately measure the tomato sauce, water, and other ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - For precise measurement of salt, pepper, and sugar.
  • Serving dish - A platter or bowl to present the cooked Afritada.
  • Rice cooker - If you prefer to serve the Afritada with steamed rice.
  • Ladle - To scoop and serve the Afritada onto plates.

Origin stories

Afritada is a delectable dish that hails from the heart of the Philippines. This savory stew is a classic comfort food often simmered slowly in most Filipino households. Interestingly, the word "afritada" is derived from the Spanish word "fritada" which translates to "fried". This reflects the influence of 300 years of Spanish colonization on Filipino cuisine. The dish however, isn't fried but simmered, underscoring the unique fusion where Filipino creativity meets Spanish culinary tradition. Afritada is truly a testament to the historical and cultural melting pot that is the Philippines, all the while promising a warming, delightful meal that's savored till the last spoonful.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.