Tinu-om

                   

The celebration of Lent varies from one continent  to another. Rituals abound to nurture the framework of spiritual regeneration.The spiritual virtues of sacrifice, the goriness of death and the redemptive values of resurrection are brought to fore during the Holy Week. Despite the varying  theological interpretations of doctrine and dogma, the goal is still the same. Lent is a time for reflection about humanity's quest for  spiritual wholeness. In a Philippine context of the celebration, the daily grind comes to a standstill, the way of life is reverted to the the basics. The pause from frivolity is obvious as the grimy streets of the metropolis are emptied and the cavernous cathedrals are jam packed with supplicant souls. Others take the way of the  beaches as a way of emptying and many more return to the provinces of birth to reconnect with kin and valued traditions of communion. Keeping things simple is the norm and it is reflected  even in the food preparation.

One day in the dog day heat of Semana Santa, I prepared Tinu-om -- a simple fare popular in Cabatuan--one of the towns adjacent to Iloilo City.  It  is native chicken(darag) sliced into bite sized pieces and layered with chopped ginger, garlic, tomatoes,white onions and lemon grass and seasoned slightly with salt and  black pepper. Sliced potatoes may be  added as an option. The chicken and the fresh ingredients are wrapped in banana leaves,placed in a heat proof bowl and steamed to doneness.

To inhale the steamy aroma as the banana leaf is unwrapped is the first step to enjoy this dish. Then the flavorful broth is either  immediately sipped  or drizzled on the rice as the chicken is eaten.

A simple dish really but the confluence of flavors courtesy of the chicken, banana leaf and local spices are just irresistible. Some try this by wrapping  the chicken in aluminum foil. How does it taste? Your guess is as good as mine.

Comments

[jenny]

Might have to just mantinir sang tin foil, as there are no banana leaves to find..

[mae]

This sounds really good. A different way to cook chicken. I have a steamer... i might try it.