Saboko Manuk

Name: Saboko Manuk
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Timorese
Ingredients: 800g chicken pieces, bone-in; 300ml coconut milk; 2 tomatoes, quartered; 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised; Handful of fresh basil leaves; 3 shallots, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, sliced; 2cm ginger, sliced; 1 tbsp coconut oil; Salt to taste; 500ml water

Saboko Manuk (sah-BO-ko mah-NOOK)

Chicken in Coconut Broth

⏱ Prep Time 45 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 384 kcal

Bone-in chicken pieces simmered in a light coconut broth with tomatoes, basil, and lemongrass, producing a clean, aromatic soup that is both nourishing and simple.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 32.0g

Carbs 10.0g

Fat 24.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

large pot ladle cutting board

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep bowl

Garnishes: fresh basil leaves, sliced ginger

Accompaniments: steamed rice, ai manas

Ingredients

800g chicken pieces, bone-in
300ml coconut milk
2 tomatoes, quartered
1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
Handful of fresh basil leaves
3 shallots, sliced
3 cloves garlic, sliced
2cm ginger, sliced
1 tbsp coconut oil
Salt to taste
500ml water

Instructions

1
Heat coconut oil in a large pot. Sauté shallots, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
2
Add chicken pieces and cook for five minutes, turning to lightly brown all sides.
3
Add water, lemongrass, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
4
Reduce heat and simmer for twenty-five minutes until chicken is cooked through.
5
Add coconut milk and basil leaves. Simmer gently for five more minutes.
6
Season with salt and serve hot in deep bowls with the aromatic broth.

💡

Did You Know?

Saboko manuk is the dish most commonly prepared for new mothers in Timor-Leste, believed to restore strength after childbirth.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
ladle
cutting board

Garnishing

fresh basil leaves, sliced ginger

Accompaniments

steamed rice, ai manas

The Story Behind Saboko Manuk

Saboko manuk is the quintessential Timorese home-cooked meal, a straightforward chicken soup that draws its depth from fresh aromatics rather than complex spice pastes. The dish predates colonial influence, relying entirely on ingredients native to the island. Its reputation as a healing and restorative food has made it the default meal for the sick, the elderly, and new mothers across Timorese communities.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed everyday family dinner 📜 Origins: Traditional Timorese

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