Ingredients

6 -8 cups chicken stock
1 lb chicken piece
1 onion , thinly sliced
4 sprigs parsley
1 the lemon , zest of , cut in thick strips
1/2 cup uncooked rice or 1/2 cup tiny pasta , shape
1/4 cup chopped mint leaf , plus additional ( to garnish )
1 teaspoon lemon juice ( to taste )
salt & freshly ground black pepper
lemon slice ( to garnish )
Portuguese Chicken Soup, also known as Canja, is a warming and comforting dish that originated in Portugal but has become popular around the world. The soup is made with simple ingredients like chicken stock, chicken pieces, onion, and rice or pasta, but the result is a flavorful and nourishing dish. The addition of lemon juice and mint give it a refreshing and zesty taste, making it a perfect meal for cold winters or when fighting a cold. This soup is easy to make and can be customized to your liking by adjusting the amount of rice or pasta. It is a staple in Portuguese households and can be found in many Portuguese restaurants.

Instructions

1.In a large pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil.
2.Add the chicken pieces, onion, parsley, and lemon zest to the pot.
3.Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
4.Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into small pieces with a fork.
5.Return the chicken to the pot and add the uncooked rice or tiny pasta.
6.Continue to simmer for 8-10 minutes, until the rice or pasta is cooked through.
7.Stir in the chopped mint and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
8.Serve hot with lemon slices and additional mint leaves for garnish.

PROS

This soup is comforting and nourishing, perfect for cold days or when feeling under the weather.

It is easy to make and can be customized with your choice of rice or pasta.

CONS

The rice or pasta can get too soft if overcooked, so it’s important to keep an eye on the pot.

The soup needs to be consumed within a few days as chicken has a short shelf life.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This soup is loaded with protein and nutrients from the chicken and vegetables.
The mint in the recipe can aid in digestion and has been used to relieve cold and flu symptoms.
The lemon juice provides a dose of vitamin C, which can boost the immune system and improve skin health.

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