Inspired by the Philippines: Sticky Chicken Drumsticks with Vegetable Noodles

Growing up I was so lucky to live next door to a wonderful family, who came over from the Philippines in the 70s. I have such fond memories of playing with their daughter Marianne when I was little, but most of all I remember their generosity, as more often than not they would knock on our door with steaming plates of noodles, chicken and other delicious foods! I have kept in touch with the family ever since, who still live next door to my childhood home. I have been in touch with them recently and Marianne and her father Tony have shared with me one of their noodle recipes and a really tasty, but simple marinade that they used on the chicken.

I made this recipe recently for my own family and it felt so good to share this delicious dish and the happy memories attached to it, I hope you enjoy it too!

Serves: 4

Prep: 20 mins plus marinating time

Cook: 45 mins

Ingredients: For the Chicken Drumsticks; 8 chicken drumsticks, 3 tbsp. of tomato ketchup, 1 tbsp. of soy sauce, 1 garlic clove

For the noodles; 250g dried wok noodles, 1 red pepper, 2 celery sticks, 1 carrot, 1/2 Chinese cabbage (or you can use something like Savoy), 1 small/medium onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 chicken stock cube, tbsp. of soy sauce, 1 tbsp. of oil

Method

1. First make your chicken marinade, thinly slice your garlic clove and mix together with the ketchup and soy sauce
2. Coat your drumsticks in the mixture and leave in the fridge for at least 30mins or overnight
3. Preheat your oven to 210F, place your chicken in the middle of the oven and cook for 35 – 45 mins turning half way through and checking that your chicken is cooked before serving, (use a knife close to the bone to make sure all the juices are clear)
4. While your chicken is cooking prepare your noodles
5. Thinly slice your onion and garlic and set aside
6. Thinly shred the cabbage and dice all the other vegetables
7. In a wok or deep saucepan heat the oil and gently cook the onion and garlic for 5 mins
8. To this now add the chicken stock made with 100ml of water and the soy sauce, mix and add the rest of your veg to the pan, give it a good stir
9. Now add your dried noodles and 720ml of boiling water
10. Bring to a high simmer and leave your noodles to absorb all the water for 6 – 8 minutes stirring occasionally ( I have never cooked noodles like this before and was a bit nervous, but it worked a treat and it meant that they soaked up ALL of the flavours).
11. Serve the steaming noodles with your cooked chicken and enjoy…I know I did!

Save The Children have been working in the Philippines since 1981, but more recently have been helping to rebuild communities after the devastating Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. Sadly just two years later the Philippines were struck again, in 2015 by Koppu, displacing 700,000 people. Save The Children are now working hard to help these families rebuild their lives and prepare for future emergencies. If you would like to find out more please visit:

https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/where-we-work/asia/philippines

And if you would like to make a donation via this blog, please visit my Just Giving Page, by clicking the link here Just Giving

Thanks x

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