Prep. time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes

Adobo is a traditional dish served with white rice and a small bowl of light soy sauce. If you had to name a national dish of the Philippines, this would undoubtedly be it. Filipinos love anything vinegary and this recipe is a perfect example.

1. Cut the chicken into 12-16 pieces; pat dry;
2. combine the salt, pepper and paprika; roll the chicken pieces in the spices; place into a pot, add the bay leaves and sprinkle the garlic over the chicken;
3. add the water and vinegar or lemon or lime juice; bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer over low heat until the chicken is cooked and the liquid has almost completely evaporated, leaving only about 5 spoonfuls;
4. remove the chicken from the pot and place on paper towels;
5. heat the oil or butter in a skillet and fry the chicken pieces until they are browned on all sides;
6. place on a platter or individual plates and spoon the cooking liquid over top.