Portuguese Chicken Soup Recipes

PORTUGUESE CHICKEN, LEMON AND MINT SOUP

Steps:

• Combine the chicken, celery, onion, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, mint sprigs, red pepper flakes and water or broth in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and skim off any foam. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, skimming as needed, 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
• Strain the stock through a fine sieve into a large bowl. Transfer the chicken to a plate to cool and discard the vegetable mixture. Return the stock to the saucepan over medium-low heat and simmer until it is slightly reduced and flavorful, about 30 minutes. Add the rice and simmer until tender, about 20 more minutes.
• When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin, then remove the meat from the bones and tear it into bite-size pieces. Add to the stock and cook 3 to 4 minutes. Add the lemon juice, chopped mint, and salt and cayenne pepper to taste; cook 2 to 3 more minutes.

HOMEMADE PORTUGUESE CHICKEN

Steps:

• Combine lemon juice, oil, garlic, paprika, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, chili powder, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and black pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until very smooth.
• Score chicken legs a few times using a knife and place in a resealable bag or a bowl. Pour about 1/3 cup of sauce over chicken and toss well. Season with additional sea salt. Cover or seal and marinate chicken in a refrigerator, 8 hours to overnight. Reserve remaining sauce for basting.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place chicken in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Turn chicken over and baste with extra marinade. Cover baking dish with foil once again and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake until no longer pink in the center and juices run clear, 15 to 20 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted near a bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

PORTUGUESE SAUSAGE SOUP

Steps:

• Heat oil in a soup pot over medium heat until it sizzles, about 1 minute. Add potatoes, onion, carrots, and celery. Cook and stir for 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir for another 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add kale and bay leaves to the pot. Cover and let kale wilt for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add chicken broth, linguica, chorizo, tomatoes, and garbanzo beans with their juices to the pot and bring to a boil, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until veggies are tender, about 15 minutes more.

PORTUGUESE CHICKEN SOUP (CANJA)

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.

PORTUGUESE CHICKEN SOUP

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, add chicken breast, onion, parsley, zest & mint sprig, & simmer until done, about 35 minutes.
• Remove the breast & let it cool before stripping off the meat & cutting it into a julienne.
• Strain the broth, then return it to the ot & bring it to a boil. Add pasta & chopped mint, season to taste with salt & white pepper, then heat until pasta is cooked al dente.
• Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice & julienned chicken. Ladle into soup bowls & ENJOY!

HILDA'S PORTUGUESE STEWED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Season the flour with Essence. Toss the chicken in the seasoned flour.
• Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet, over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 4 to 6 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the chorizo to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides.
• Add the onions, potatoes, and peppers. Cook the vegetables for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add the tomatoes, shallots, garlic cloves, and olives. Season the vegetables with Essence. Stir in the white wine, chicken broth, and parsley and return the browned chicken to the skillet.
• Bring the liquid up to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cover and simmer the chicken and vegetables for about 45 minutes or until the chicken falls off the bone.
• Add the crushed red pepper flakes and green onions. Adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper.
• Mound the rice in the center of the bowl. Arrange the stewed chicken around the rice. Garnish with freshly grated cheese, chives and Essence. Always serve with crusty bread.
• Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch, published by William and Morrow, 1993.