Canja de Galinha

Canja de Galinha

Canja (KAHN-zhah)

Chicken Rice Soup

Prep Time 20 min
📈 Difficulty Easy
👥 Servings
6
🔥 Calories 288 kcal

A soothing Cape Verdean chicken and rice soup flavored with lemon and herbs, the go-to remedy for cold nights and weary souls.

Nutrition & Info

290 kcal per serving
Protein 24.0g
Carbs 30.0g
Fat 8.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

large pot ladle cutting board

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep bowl

Garnishes: mint leaves, lemon slice

Accompaniments: crusty bread

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place chicken pieces in a large pot with water. Bring to a boil, skimming any foam.

  2. 2

    Add onion, garlic, carrots, and bay leaves. Reduce heat and simmer 40 min until chicken is tender.

  3. 3

    Remove chicken, shred the meat, and discard bones. Return meat to the pot.

  4. 4

    Add rice and cook 15 min until rice is tender.

  5. 5

    Squeeze in lemon juice, season with salt and pepper.

  6. 6

    Serve hot, garnished with fresh mint leaves.

💡

Did You Know?

Cape Verdean grandmothers prescribe canja as medicine for everything from colds to heartbreak — and it usually works.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • large pot
  • ladle
  • cutting board

Garnishing

mint leaves, lemon slice

Accompaniments

crusty bread

The Story Behind Canja de Galinha

Canja arrived in Cape Verde through Portuguese colonizers who brought the dish from their own culinary tradition. Cape Verdeans adapted it with local herbs and the addition of lemon, making it distinctly their own. It remains the archipelago's ultimate comfort food.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed dinner, convalescence 📜 Origins: Portuguese colonial era

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