A Filipino Soup That Supports Breastfeeding: Filipino Vegan Tinola

Support your breastfeeding journey by being nourished with Filipino Vegan Tinola, bursting with the goodness of Moringa and Spinach. This meal is not only easy to prepare, but is also a great source of nutrition for nursing mothers anywhere in the world, especially those of Filipina descent.

The Recipe

The recipe calls for simple ingredients such as garlic (4 cloves, chopped), onion (1/2 cup, sliced), ginger (thumb-sized piece), lemongrass (white part of two stalks, optional but makes the dish smell wonderful!), and vegetable broth (4 cups). To extract the best flavor from the herbs, pound the ginger and lemongrass before adding them. While green papaya or chayote can be added according to taste, the true stars of the dish are the moringa (malunngay in Tagalog) and spinach, both rich in vitamins and nutrients that are known to boost milk supply.

NOTE: Tinola is traditionally made with chicken in many parts of the Philippines so feel free to add chicken to this recipe if you wish. Simply sauté the chicken along with the garlic and onions and close the pot for 15-20 minutes until the chicken’s cooked before adding water or vegetable broth. 

Cooking Method

Start by sautéing garlic, onion, ginger, and lemongrass in a soup pot with a tablespoon of vegetable oil until it emanates a fragrant aroma. You can also add vegan fish sauce, salt, and pepper at this point. Next, add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Add chayote and green papaya and let the soup simmer for a few minutes, until the vegetables turn tender.

Now, add the moringa and spinach leaves, fresh or frozen, to the soup and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes until the leaves have wilted and are cooked through. Once done, season the soup with salt and pepper according to taste. You can also add vegan fish sauce if you like. Serve the vegan tinola with steamed rice or quinoa for a fulfilling and satisfying meal.

The Final Product

This vegan tinola with moringa and spinach is a wholesome and delicious dish, perfect for nursing mothers, providing them with the necessary nutrients to nourish their bodies and support their breastfeeding journey. So, go ahead and try this recipe to savor a taste of home, no matter where you are in the world. Remember to take care of yourself while taking care of your little one!


**You may also DOWNLOAD THE RECIPE here**