Grandmother Concordia Ramos Tapalla’s Filipino Chicken Tinola Soup

Hailing from a large family originating from the lowlands of Batangas in rural Philippines, my grandmother stuck close to her roots. Having helped in the paddy fields since she was knee-high, and growing bountiful produce in her family’s backyard, she felt most at home surrounded by her greenery.

She provided for her own brood, of which my mother was one of eight, with produce from her unspoilt garden and vegetable patches. I spent summer vacations following her on her rounds throug