As I start to write this, the scent of soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar wafts through my kitchen. For Filipinos, the scent of Chicken Adobo – a dish deeply embedded in Filipino culture – is unmistakable. Chicken Adobo is more than just a meal; it symbolizes survival, heritage, and identity, especially highlighted during Filipino-American History Month in October. This month commemorates the first recorded presence of Luzones Indios (Filipinos) in the continental United States, specifically, Morro Bay, California on October 18, 1587. In 2009, the U.S. Congress recognized October as Filipino American History Month in the United States and various places within the U.S. have established proclamations and resolutions declaring it’s observance.

Adobo’s roots can be traced to pre-colonial Philippines, where indigenous Filipinos used salt and vinegar as a way to preserve food in a tropical climate. This simple method helped extend the shelf life of food – a necessity in a land with limited resources and frequent natural calamities. When the Spaniards arrived in the 16^th century, they introduced their own version of adobo, naming the dish after the Spanish word for “marinade”. Filipinos adapted it to their tastes by using local ingredients like soy sauce, bay leaves, and black pepper. In this way, Chicken Adobo became a “struggle meal,” using simple and easily accessible ingredients to create something that could sustain families during hard times. The simplicity and affordability of this dish made it a staple meal for Filipinos across the social spectrum. It’s balance of savory, tangy, and sometimes slightly sweet flavors showcased the ability to create delicious food even with limited means.

For Filipino-Americans, Adobo signifies the sacrifices, strength, resilience, and resourcefulness of the earlier generations who strived to keep their traditions alive amid the broader American society. Much like the Filipino heritage, this dish is influenced by different cultures connected through history, time, and conflict. Filipinos have been crucial to the revolution and civil rights movement which have affected LGBTQ+ rights, labor laws, and civil rights movements. Today, it serves as a link between Filipino-Americans and their heritage, grounding them in the culture of their ancestors.

To close this month of recognition and celebration, I invite you to try this recipe and have a little taste of my home country, and learn more about how Filipino-Americans helped build the foundation of what we now call the United States of America.

CHICKEN ADOBO

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of chicken (you can use legs, wings, thighs, and breasts)
• 3 pieces dried bay leaves
• ½ cup of soy sauce, preferably a Filipino brand or low sodium soy sauce (Tamari for Gluten-free option)
• ¼ cup of cane vinegar
• 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tsp whole black peppercorns
• 2 cups water
• 5 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in soy sauce and garlic for at least an hour before cooking.
2. Using Medium heat, warm up a large pot and add oil, enough to coat the bottom of the pan, until hot.
3. Take chicken out of the marinade and cook for 5 minutes or until both sides are browned.
4. Pour in the remaining marinade, vinegar and water then bring to a boil.
5. Add the bay leaves and peppercorns.
6. Simmer in low heat for 30 minutes, slightly covered. After 30 minutes, remove the cover and let braise reduce for about 10 – 15 minutes.

Serve over steamed white rice.