Description
Canja – Cape Verdean Chicken Soup Recipe is a delightful dish that embodies the comforting flavors of Cape Verde. This hearty chicken soup features tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and rice, simmered to perfection in a savory broth. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, Canja is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for cooks of all levels. The blend of simple ingredients creates a dish that warms both the heart and soul, bringing everyone together around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons crushed garlic
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 1 large tomato (quartered)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 bouillon cubes
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 1 to 2 small potatoes (diced)
- 1 and ½ cups medium-grain rice
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken thighs with vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and olive oil; refrigerate for at least one hour.
- In an 8-quart stock pot, heat olive oil and brown the marinated chicken thighs on both sides. Remove from pot.
- Sauté onion and tomato until soft; return chicken to pot.
- Add broth, water, and bouillon cubes; bring to a boil then simmer for one hour.
- Shred the chicken and return it to the pot along with rice and diced carrots; simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- Stir in diced potatoes; cook for another 15 to 20 minutes until everything is tender.
- Allow Canja to rest for 20-30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 140 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cape Verdean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg