Galinhada (Brazilian Chicken and Rice)

 

Galinhada is a popular Brazilian dish that consists of chicken and rice cooked together with a variety of flavorful ingredients. It's a comforting and delicious one-pot meal that is often prepared for gatherings, family dinners, or special occasions. Here's a basic recipe for Galinhada:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

2 lbs (about 1 kg) of chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a whole chicken, cut into pieces)

Juice of 2 limes

3 cloves of garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

For the Galinhada:

2 cups of long-grain rice

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 tomato, chopped

2 cups of chicken broth

1/2 cup of white wine (optional)

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon of saffron threads (optional, for color and flavor)

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken:

In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or you can leave it in the fridge overnight for better flavor.

Prepare the Rice:

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, and then drain it.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until they become translucent.

Cook the Chicken:

Remove the chicken from the marinade and add it to the pot with the onions and garlic.

Brown the chicken pieces on all sides.

Add Vegetables and Rice:

Once the chicken is browned, add the chopped red and green bell peppers and tomato to the pot.

Sauté for a few more minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Add the rice to the pot and stir to combine everything.

Add Liquid and Seasonings:

Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using) and add the bay leaf and saffron threads.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Add more chicken broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Finish and Serve:

Remove the bay leaf.

Garnish the Galinhada with chopped fresh parsley.

Serve hot, and you can also accompany it with some Brazilian hot sauce or vinaigrette if desired.

Galinhada is a versatile dish, and you can customize it by adding other ingredients like peas, carrots, or olives to suit your taste. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that captures the flavors of Brazil. Enjoy!