Chicken Adobo

Ingredients

• 1 kg chicken (cut into serving pieces)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pieces bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 medium potato or carrot (optional, cut into chunks)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
• Salt to taste