This is a simple chicken with banana catsup. A great chicken dish if you want a quick and easy style of cooking. To make the chicken a little more tasty, you can saute it longer until the chicken is brown. Then continue following the rest of the recipe instructions.
Chicken with Banana Catsup: A Nostalgic Filipino Comfort Dish
When I was growing up in my grandmother’s bahay kubo in Batangas, there were a few dishes that always made an appearance at the dining table. One of them was a simple yet flavorful chicken dish simmered in banana catsup. My Tita Lorna, the best cook in the family, used to say that the secret to making it extra delicious was patience—saute the chicken long enough until it turns golden brown before adding the other ingredients. “Mas masarap kapag may konting lutong sa balat,” she’d remind me as she stirred the pot.
The Humble Origins of Chicken with Banana Catsup
If there’s one thing Filipinos are known for, it’s our knack for making the most out of simple ingredients. This dish is a perfect example of that. During the American colonial period, when tomato ketchup became popular, local entrepreneurs found a way to create a more affordable alternative using ripe bananas. The result? Our beloved banana catsup, which became a staple in many households. It’s sweet, tangy, and slightly spiced, making it an excellent complement to savory dishes like this chicken recipe.
My Kuya Ramon, who spent a few years working in a carinderia in Quezon, swears by the balance of flavors in this dish. He told me that adding soy sauce enhances the umami, while the banana catsup provides that familiar touch of sweetness, a trademark of Filipino cuisine. And let’s not forget the vegetables—cabbage and celery add texture and freshness, making this a well-rounded meal.
The Secret to Flavorful Chicken with Banana Catsup
One of the most important steps in cooking this dish is sauteing the chicken well before adding the other ingredients. This technique deepens the flavor by allowing the natural juices to caramelize. I remember watching my Lola carefully brown each piece, making sure it had that nice golden crust. “Wag mong madaliin,” she’d say, waving her wooden spoon at me when I got impatient.
After the chicken takes on a beautiful color, the rest of the ingredients go in—garlic first until it’s fragrant, then onions to add sweetness. The soy sauce, salt, and a bit of water help create a savory base, while the banana catsup ties everything together with its unique sweet-savory blend. The key is to let it simmer just long enough for the flavors to meld without overcooking the vegetables.
Why Banana Catsup Works in This Recipe
Banana catsup isn’t just a condiment for fried food—it’s a fantastic ingredient in stews like this. Its natural sweetness balances the saltiness of soy sauce, creating a rich sauce that coats every piece of chicken beautifully. Unlike tomato ketchup, which has a more acidic profile, banana catsup has a milder, fruitier taste, making it perfect for Filipino-style cooking.
Tito Ben, who has traveled all over the country for work, once told me that he’s seen different variations of this dish. In some provinces, they add a bit of chili for heat, while others mix in pineapple juice for a tropical twist. But no matter how you tweak it, the essence of the dish remains the same—simple, comforting, and undeniably Filipino.
A Dish Meant for Sharing
There’s something about chicken with banana catsup that reminds me of home. It’s not fancy or complicated, but it carries with it the warmth of family meals shared over simple joys. I still remember rainy afternoons when my siblings and I would gather around the table, dipping spoonfuls of steaming rice into the rich, red sauce, savoring every bite.
Now that I make this dish for my own family, I understand why my Lola insisted on taking her time with it. It’s not just about feeding hungry mouths—it’s about creating memories, about keeping traditions alive one pot at a time. So the next time you’re looking for an easy yet satisfying meal, give this recipe a try. Who knows? It might just become a new favorite in your household, just as it has been in mine for generations.
How to Cook Chicken with Banana Catsup
Ingredients
- 1 kilo Chicken your choice of cuts
- 1/4 kilo cabbage cut into 1 and 1/2 inch squares
- 2 pcs bell peppers red & green, cut into thick strips
- 2 stalks celery 1 and 1/2 inch long
- 2 pcs onions quartered
- 1 cup banana catsup
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- salt to taste
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
How to Cook Chicken with Banana Catsup:
- Cut chicken into small serving pieces. Saute garlic and when brown, add onion.
- Stir for 3 minutes, then add chicken. Stir for another 3 minutes, put in soy sauce, salt and water.
- Cover and simmer.
- When chicken is almost done, add banana catsup, cabbage, celery and pepper. Cook until cabbage is wilted. Add a little MSG or vetsin to improve taste.
Notes
Cooking Tips:
Brown the Chicken for More Flavor
Before adding the other ingredients, take the time to brown the chicken well to enhance its depth of flavor. This caramelization process locks in the juices and creates a richer, more savory taste. A little patience at this stage will make a big difference in the final dish.Simmer Slowly for a Well-Blended Sauce
Let the chicken simmer gently in the sauce to allow the flavors to fully develop. Rushing the cooking process may result in a watery consistency instead of a thick, flavorful coating. A slow simmer ensures that the banana catsup melds perfectly with the soy sauce and seasonings.Add Vegetables at the Right Time
Cabbage and celery should be added towards the end of cooking to maintain their texture and freshness. Overcooking them will make the dish mushy and lose the contrast of flavors. A slight crunch from the veggies balances the tender chicken and savory-sweet sauce.
thanks you very much on your recipes here in panlasang pinoy i like to watch very much and i try cordon bleu recipes food, my husband and kids like very much. and also lecheflan every body like, thanks you hope you post more recipes. god bless, to all of you ,