Canja de Galinha

Canja de Galinha Recipe - Traditional Chicken and Rice Soup from Portugal

Region / culture: Portugal | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours and 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Canja de Galinha is a traditional Portuguese chicken soup that is both comforting and delicious. This hearty soup is made with tender chicken, rice, and a flavorful broth that is sure to warm you up on a cold day.

History

Canja de Galinha has been a staple in Portuguese cuisine for centuries. It is often served as a remedy for colds and flu, as the warm broth and nourishing ingredients are believed to have healing properties.

Ingredients

3 lb (1.36 kg) chicken
6.5 oz (184 g) chicken giblets, chopped
6 cup water
2 onions, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 tsp salt
2 bay leaves
0.67 cup rice
juice of 1.5 lemons
10 mint leaves, finely chopped
freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Place the chicken in a large saucepan. Add giblets, water, onions, celery, salt, and bay leaves.
Cover the saucepan and simmer the mixture over low heat for 2 hours.
Remove the chicken from the saucepan and allow it to cool.
Add rice to the broth in the saucepan and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, until the rice becomes soft.
Stir the mixture occasionally while simmering.
Meanwhile, remove the skin from the chicken and separate the meat from the bones.
Discard the bones and skin.
Cut the chicken meat into small strips and add them to the broth. Also, add lemon juice to the broth.
Serve the dish by sprinkling it with mint.

Variations

Add vegetables such as carrots, peas, or spinach for added nutrition.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier twist.
Add a splash of white wine for a more complex flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the chicken and broth over low heat to allow the flavors to develop.

- Removing the skin and bones from the chicken before adding it back to the soup will result in a cleaner, more refined dish.

- Adding lemon juice at the end of cooking brightens up the flavors of the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Canja de Galinha is traditionally served as a main course, accompanied by crusty bread and a simple salad.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the chicken and broth slowly allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich, flavorful soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

If giblets are not available, you can omit them from the recipe without affecting the overall flavor of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Canja de Galinha can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Canja de Galinha in a large soup bowl, garnished with fresh mint leaves and a slice of lemon for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Canja de Galinha pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Canja de Galinha contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Canja de Galinha contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Canja de Galinha contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Canja de Galinha contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Canja de Galinha is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Canja de Galinha contains chicken and may contain traces of gluten if using traditional rice.

Summary

Canja de Galinha is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is high in protein and low in calories.

Summary

Canja de Galinha is a classic Portuguese chicken soup that is both comforting and nourishing. With its simple ingredients and rich flavors, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a hot summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor Maria pick fresh vegetables from her garden. As a thank you for my help, she invited me into her cozy kitchen and offered me a bowl of Canja de Galinha, a traditional Portuguese chicken soup.

I had never tasted anything like it before - the rich broth, tender chicken, and fragrant herbs danced on my taste buds in a symphony of flavors. I knew right then and there that I needed to learn how to make this dish for myself. Maria smiled at my enthusiasm and handed me a piece of paper with the handwritten recipe on it.

She explained that Canja de Galinha was a beloved comfort food in Portugal, often served to sick loved ones or as a hearty meal on cold days. The key to the soup, she said, was in the homemade chicken broth, which simmered for hours on the stove until it was rich and full of flavor.

I thanked Maria profusely for the recipe and hurried home to try my hand at making Canja de Galinha. I gathered all the ingredients - a whole chicken, onions, garlic, carrots, and rice - and set to work in my own kitchen. The scent of the soup filled my house, and I couldn't wait to taste the results.

As I took my first spoonful of the steaming soup, memories of my childhood flooded back to me. I remembered my own grandmother, who had taught me how to cook and had instilled in me a love for food and family. I knew that she would have been proud of me for mastering this traditional recipe.

From that day on, Canja de Galinha became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for my family on cold winter nights, for friends who were feeling under the weather, and for myself when I needed a comforting meal. Each time I made the soup, I thought of Maria and the special bond we shared over our love of cooking and sharing recipes.

Over the years, I have collected many recipes from various places and people, but Canja de Galinha will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the day I discovered the joy of cooking and the power of sharing a meal with loved ones.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, stirring a pot of Canja de Galinha on the stove, I can't help but smile at the memories that this dish brings to mind. It is more than just a soup to me - it is a symbol of love, tradition, and the simple pleasures of life. And for that, I am forever grateful to Maria for sharing her recipe with me all those years ago.