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Filipino Chicken Puto Dumplings With Malunggay Pesto

A creative weeknight recipe featuring Filipino-inspired chicken-filled puto dumplings served with a vibrant malunggay (moringa) leaf pesto. This dish highlights seasonal produce and uses steaming as a traditional cooking method, providing a light and wholesome meal option.

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Filipinomedium45 minServes 4
Filipino Chicken Puto Dumplings with Malunggay Pesto plated and ready to serve

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Servings

4

Originally developed for 4 servings.

Ingredient checklist

Method

0 of 9 steps complete
  1. No timer needed
    In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, sugar, and baking powder. Gradually whisk in coconut milk until you form a smooth batter. Set aside.
  2. 02:00
    Heat a small frying pan over medium heat. Add a little oil and sauté minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.
  3. 05:00
    Add the ground chicken to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Season with soy sauce, ground black pepper, and salt to taste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. No timer needed
    Mix the cooked chicken mixture into the puto batter until well combined.
  5. No timer needed
    Prepare the steamer with boiling water. Lightly grease small heatproof molds or use banana leaves in a steaming tray.
  6. No timer needed
    Pour the batter with chicken filling into molds, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
  7. 15:00
    Steam the dumplings over high heat for 15 minutes or until firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. No timer needed
    While the dumplings cook, prepare the malunggay pesto. Combine malunggay leaves, roasted nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, and calamansi juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Season with salt to taste.
  9. No timer needed
    Remove dumplings from steamer carefully. Serve warm with malunggay pesto drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

Chef tips

  • Use fresh malunggay leaves for the most vibrant pesto flavor, but baby spinach plus basil is a good substitute if unavailable.
  • Do not overcrowd the steamer basket; steam dumplings in batches if needed for even cooking.
  • Ensure the batter filling is not too thin or watery to avoid soggy dumplings.
  • Reheat leftovers in a steamer rather than microwave to retain texture.

Equipment check

  • mixing bowls
  • steamer or steaming basket
  • blender or food processor
  • frying pan
  • spatula
  • measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition per serving

  • Calories320
  • Protein22 g
  • Carbs35 g
  • Fat10 g

Tags

DumplingFilipinoDinnerHealthyLight Cooking

Behind the dish.

Overview

This recipe combines traditional Filipino puto—steamed rice cakes—transformed into savory chicken-filled dumplings. Paired with a fresh and bright malunggay (moringa) leaf pesto, it’s a unique dish that is both light and filling. Steaming preserves the delicate flavors and moisture in the dumplings, making it a healthy and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights.

Why you’ll love it

  • Innovative Filipino twist on dumplings using puto batter as the wrapper.
  • Lean chicken filling keeps the meal light yet protein-packed.
  • Malunggay pesto adds a nutritious, antioxidant-rich punch with vibrant color and flavor.
  • Steaming method ensures a tender texture without added fat.
  • Quick to prepare with seasonal ingredients.

Ingredient notes

Puto batter: Traditionally made from rice flour, sugar, baking powder, and coconut milk, this batter forms a soft, slightly sweet wrapper.

Filling: Ground chicken is mixed with aromatics and seasonings for depth—use skinless chicken for a lean option.

Malunggay leaves: Fresh moringa leaves have a slightly earthy, spinach-like flavor and are high in vitamins; substitute with fresh spinach and basil if unavailable.

Pesto components: Toasted nuts (cashews or peanuts) add richness, and a bit of calamansi or lime juice gives brightness.

Serving & storage

Serve the dumplings warm immediately after steaming alongside the malunggay pesto drizzled on top or as a dip. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a steamer or microwave before serving.

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