Homemade Filipino Sopas: A Comforting Chicken Macaroni Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 kilogram of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup of diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup of diced celery
  • 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper
  • 1 cup of cubed ham
  • 2 pieces of hotdog, sliced
  • 4 cups of chicken broth
  • 2 cups of elbow macaroni
  • 1 small can of evaporated milk
  • 1 cup of shredded cabbage
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley for garnishing

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and onion. Saute until the onions become soft.
  3. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until it turns white.
  4. Add in the carrots, celery and bell pepper. Saute for a few minutes until the vegetables soften.
  5. Add the ham and hotdog slices to the pot and stir to mix with the other ingredients.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  7. Once the broth is boiling, add the elbow macaroni. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  8. Lower the heat and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked.
  9. Pour in the evaporated milk and add the shredded cabbage. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  10. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
  11. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
  12. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tools for making

  • Cooking pot - A large pot to cook the soup.
  • Spatula - To stir and mix the ingredients while cooking.
  • Knife - To mince the garlic, chop the onions, and cut the chicken and vegetables.
  • Cutting board - To provide a safe and clean surface for cutting ingredients.
  • Measuring cups - To accurately measure the diced carrots, celery, bell pepper, and other ingredients.
  • Can opener - To open the can of evaporated milk.
  • Ladle - To serve the soup into bowls.
  • Soup bowls - To hold and serve the finished sopas.

Recipe variations

  • Instead of chicken, use beef or pork as the meat base.
  • Replace the elbow macaroni with a different type of pasta, such as shells or fusilli.
  • Add other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans to enhance the flavor and texture.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Add spices like paprika, thyme, or bay leaves for a more aromatic soup.
  • Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for an umami flavor.
  • For a creamier soup, use heavy cream or coconut milk instead of evaporated milk.
  • Add a handful of grated cheese at the end and let it melt for a cheesy twist.
  • Include cooked pasta separately instead of boiling it directly in the soup to control the texture.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar for a tangy kick.

Recipe overview

Get ready to prepare Sopas, a comforting and hearty Filipino soup that is perfect for cold weather or whenever you need a delicious pick-me-up. This recipe is packed with different textures and flavors, thanks to ingredients like chicken, ham, hotdogs, and a variety of vegetables. The soup base is a savory chicken broth mixed with evaporated milk, giving it a rich and creamy consistency. This dish is also versatile, so feel free to add or substitute vegetables or proteins according to your preference. This Sopas recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a satisfying meal that will make you feel warm and cozy from the inside out. Enjoy it as a main dish or as an appetizer, and you'll undoubtedly want seconds!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use other types of meat such as chicken thighs, pork, or even beef in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I substitute the evaporated milk with another type of milk? Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk with regular milk or even coconut milk for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that it may alter the taste slightly.
  3. Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Sopas is quite versatile, so feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or even green beans to suit your taste.
  4. Can I make this soup in advance? Yes, you can make the soup in advance and refrigerate it. Just be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the liquid, so you may need to add a bit more chicken broth or milk when reheating.
  5. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - To cook the soup and hold all the ingredients.
  • Cooking spoon - For stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Chopping board - To chop the vegetables and prepare the ingredients.
  • Knife - For cutting and slicing the vegetables, chicken, and ham.
  • Measuring cups - To accurately measure the ingredients, such as the diced carrots and celery.
  • Measuring spoons - For precise measurement of smaller amounts of ingredients, like minced garlic.
  • Soup ladle - For serving the sopas into bowls.
  • Soup bowls - To serve the sopas to individuals.
  • Garnish plate - To hold the chopped parsley for garnishing.

Origin stories

Sopas is a beloved comfort food in the Philippines, often cooked and served in Filipino households on rainy days to provide warmth and nourishment. It's typically considered a soup or stew, containing a medley of ingredients like meat, vegetables, and macaroni pasta. Interestingly, Sopas has roots in the Spanish soup, Sopa de Ajo, but Filipinos have made it their own by adding local ingredients and adapting it to their taste. It's also a festive dish, usually served during special occasions and family gatherings. The presence of Sopas at the dining table is a symbol of Filipino hospitality and familial warmth. It is a dish that truly personifies the Philippine spirit of "Bayanihan", a custom of communal unity, work, and cooperation to achieve a particular goal.

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.