Canja Cape Verde Islands Rich Chicken Rice Soup Recipe

Indulge in a taste of Cape Verdean culture with this incredibly rich and thick chicken rice soup, traditionally served for New Year's Eve and cherished family celebrations. Adapted from a treasured recipe featured in the Smithsonian Institution's 1995 Festival of American Folklife cookbook, this authentic dish reflects the culinary heritage of Cape Verdean Americans. Imagine the warm, savory flavors of tender chicken simmered with aromatic rice and infused with Cape Verdean spices, transporting you to the sun-drenched islands 300 miles west of Senegal. Perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 60 mins
Calories 570.8 kcal
Protein 65g
Rating Be the first
Canja Cape Verde Islands Rich Chicken Rice Soup 50

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Canja Cape Verde Islands Rich Chicken Rice Soup

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How to Make Canja Cape Verde Islands Rich Chicken Rice Soup

  1. Saute 1 medium diced onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until softened (about 5 minutes).
  2. Add 1.5 lbs of bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces and 2 chicken bouillon cubes to the pot. Saute for another 5 minutes, until lightly browned.
  3. Pour in 3 cups of water, bringing the mixture to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Add more water if needed to achieve your desired consistency. Stir occasionally.
  5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones.
  6. Return the shredded chicken to the soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

28 g

Sugar

11g

Fat

38g

Carbs

15g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Canja Cape Verde Islands Rich Chicken Rice Soup?

Canja Cape Verde Islands Rich Chicken Rice Soup takes about 80 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 60 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Canja Cape Verde Islands Rich Chicken Rice Soup?

Canja Cape Verde Islands Rich Chicken Rice Soup has approximately 570.8 calories per serving, with about 65 g protein, 15 g carbohydrates and 41 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Canja Cape Verde Islands Rich Chicken Rice Soup?

The key ingredients for Canja Cape Verde Islands Rich Chicken Rice Soup are Whole Chicken, Onions, Chicken Bouillon Cubes, Short Grain White Rice, Vegetable Oil, Water. See the full list with measurements above.

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