Teresa's Recipes
Canja de Galinha
Canja de Galinha is a heartwarming Portuguese chicken soup that embodies comfort and nostalgia. Traditionally prepared as a remedy for the soul, this dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables, all infused with a zesty hint of lemon. It's the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly days or to soothe you when you're feeling under the weather. This soup not only nourishes the body but also brings families together around the table, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Portugal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Chicken (bone-in pieces)
- 8 cups Water
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1, juiced and zested Lemon
- 1 cup Rice (preferably long-grain or jasmine)
- 1 large, diced Carrot
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 medium, chopped Onion
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- In a large pot, add the chicken pieces and cover with 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. When cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bones, discarding the skin and bones.
- In the same pot with the chicken broth, add the olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced carrot. Sauté for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the rice and cook for another 10 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot, add the lemon juice and zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the soup is heated through.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water.
- You can add other vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition.
- To make it heartier, try adding chickpeas or potatoes.