Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant shores of Cape Verde with Canja, a traditional and comforting chicken and rice soup deeply rooted in the islands' rich culinary heritage. This savory dish is a symphony of flavors, a harmonious blend of tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant vegetables, and a captivating array of aromatic spices, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. Indulge in three irresistible variations of Canja: the classic Canja de Galinha, featuring succulent chicken pieces, the hearty Canja de Peixe, brimming with the goodness of fresh fish, and the delightful Canja Vegetariana, a vibrant symphony of garden-fresh vegetables. Each recipe is meticulously crafted to guide you through the culinary process, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Prepare to be captivated by the heartwarming goodness of Canja, a culinary treasure that embodies the spirit of Cape Verdean hospitality.
Let's cook with our recipes!
CANJA - CAPE VERDEAN CHICKEN SOUP RECIPE
Canja is the mother of Cape Verdean comfort food. It's a thick, rich and delicious chicken soup that's made with rice, vegetables and simple seasonings.
Provided by Crystal
Categories Cape Verdean Dishes
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl. Use a spoon or spatula to rub the vinegar and lemon juice all over them. Fill the bowl with enough water to cover the chicken, stir a few times and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Drain the water, rinse 1 or 2 times and drain again.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, 1 tablespoon of crushed garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add the bay leaves and cover the bowl in plastic wrap. Let the chicken marinate for a minimum of 1 hour (or overnight) in the refrigerator.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an 8-quart stock pot. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs to the pot and make sure to reserve the bowl that you seasoned the chicken in. Brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side and then transfer the chicken thighs to a plate.
- Add the quartered tomato, chopped onions and the reserved bay leaves to the pot. Saute everything until the onions are clear and the tomato cooks down. Add the chicken back to the pot.
- Add a splash of the chicken broth to the bowl that you used to season the chicken. Swirl the broth around in the bowl so that it loosens any seasonings that were left behind. Pour the seasoned broth into the pot and then add the remaining chicken broth. Top the pot off with enough tap water to fill the pot 3/4 of the way up. Bring the pot to a boil, lower the flame and let it simmer for 1 hour.
- Taste the broth and adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking. Remove the chicken from the soup and shred or break it up.
- Add the chicken back to the pot, and add the rice and carrots. Let the canja continue to simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Add the potatoes to the canja and let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes.
- Turn the flame off and stir the canja. Put the lid back on and let the canja sit for about 20-30 minutes.
- Ladle the canja into bowls and serve it with hot sauce and chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 249 calories, Sugar 4 g, Sodium 1631.4 mg, Fat 7.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 20.1 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 25.5 g, Cholesterol 110.1 mg
CANJA (PORTUGUESE CHICKEN SOUP)
Canja is a popular Portuguese soup - made with rice, chicken, & onion. It is a soothing soup that will warm your soul & stomach. The photo doesn't do this soup any justice (soup photos never come out any good on the camera from my phone lol).. but, it is really tasty!
Provided by Tara Pacheco
Categories Other Soups
Time 40m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- 1. In a large pot, boil your chicken breast over med/high heat. Once chicken is just about done, remove from water and shred with a fork. Add the poultry seasoning to your pot. Place the chicken back in.
- 2. Saute your onion & garlic in olive oil until onion is translucent. Cook over medium heat, being careful not to burn your garlic.
- 3. Add the onion & garlic mixture, along with your rice to the pot and allow to cook until rice is expanded and tender.
- 4. Add salt & pepper to taste. Add juice of half a lemon. Serve & enjoy!
CANJA (CAPE VERDE ISLANDS) RICH CHICKEN & RICE SOUP
This very thick, rich soup is made to celebrate special occasions, such as New Year's eve and special family events. This recipe was adapted from the Smithsonian Institution's, 1995 Festival of American Folklife Cookbook. Recipes for the book were contributed by American Cape Verdeans who are active in preserving their cultural heritage. The Cape Verde Islands are located about 300 miles west of Senegal. Many Cape Verdeans migrated to the Atlantic coast of the U.S., many to Rhode island.
Provided by lynnski LA
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Saute onions in oil. Next add chicken pieces, boullion cubes and saute a few minutes more.
- Add 3 cups of water to the pan and bring to a boil.
- Simmer 30 to 35 minutes, until rice is cooked. Add water to adjust to desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 570.8, Fat 27.2, SaturatedFat 7.8, Cholesterol 122.3, Sodium 676.9, Carbohydrate 45.7, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 2.9, Protein 32.9
JAGACIDA (JAG) - BEANS AND RICE FROM CAPE VERDE
Although I'm posting this for the 2005 World Tour, this is for me a dish from childhood. My Cape Verdean mother made this often and served it with tuna fish cakes. I loved mine smothered in catsup. This makes a huge batch and we often served it reheated with more onions, linguica and fried eggs for breakfast the next day. Traditionally, it is made with kidney or lima beans but I remember Nana (my grandmother) making it with peas to accommodate my bean-hating aunt. Enjoy!
Provided by justcallmetoni
Categories White Rice
Time 42m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cut up onions in a 2 quart pan and simmer until golden brown in oil.
- Add 6 cups of water to onions, paprika, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper totaste.
- Bring to a boil and add 3 cups of rice. Lower heat, add beans (), cover pan and simmer for 25 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is cooked.
- Turn off stove and let stand.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 230.6, Fat 2.9, SaturatedFat 0.4, Sodium 109.7, Carbohydrate 45, Fiber 2.9, Sugar 1.1, Protein 5.2
PORTUGUESE CHICKEN SOUP (CANJA)
Virtually every culture on Earth has a style of making chicken soup that they can call their own, and in Portugal it involves rice, lemon, and mint. Adapted from Worldwide Recipes.
Provided by TxGriffLover
Categories Chicken
Time 1h
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine the chicken stock, chicken pieces, onion, parsley, and lemon zest in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer covered until the chicken is cooked through, about 30 minutes.
- Remove the chicken pieces and cool enough to handle. Remove and discard the skin and bones and cut or tear the meat into small pieces.
- Strain the soup through cheesecloth (muslin) and discard the solids. Return the stock and meat to the pot and add the rice, mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves.
CAPE VERDE VEGETABLE SOUP
Make and share this Cape Verde Vegetable Soup recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Gracie92
Categories African
Time 30m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Sautee the onions and the garlic in the oil for 10 minute Add the summer savory or thyme and the ground chiles and sautee gently, stirring often, for another 5 minutes.
- Add the rest of the ingredients, excet the lemon juice, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minute Add the lemon juice. Serve topped with chopped fresh parsley or more fresh cilantro or both.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 120, Fat 4.8, SaturatedFat 0.8, Sodium 404.1, Carbohydrate 18.5, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 5.1, Protein 2.8
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the final product. Look for free-range chicken, organic vegetables, and high-quality rice.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: If you add too much chicken or rice to the pot, the soup will be too thick and the chicken will not cook evenly.
- Simmer the soup for at least 1 hour: This will allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Season the soup to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve the soup hot: Canja is best served hot, with a side of bread or rice.
Conclusion:
Canja is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With its combination of chicken, rice, vegetables, and spices, canja is a soup that is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you are looking for a comforting and flavorful meal, give canja a try. You won't be disappointed!
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