Brazilian recipe
Classic Galinhada (Galinhada)
Whip up a flavour-packed, aromatic Galinhada with tender, golden chicken and fluffy, perfectly seasoned rice. This soul-warming Brazilian staple is ideal for shared family meals.
0.0 / 5 by 0 Reviews
Ingredients
1 whole chicken, cut into medium-sized pieces
4 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 green capsicum, finely chopped (optional)
2 tomatoes, peeled, deseeded and chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (açafrão) or 2 sachets of seasoning mix with turmeric
2 cups long-grain white rice
4 cups boiling water
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley and spring onions (cheiro-verde)
4 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 green capsicum, finely chopped (optional)
2 tomatoes, peeled, deseeded and chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (açafrão) or 2 sachets of seasoning mix with turmeric
2 cups long-grain white rice
4 cups boiling water
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley and spring onions (cheiro-verde)
Where to find ingredients
You can find fresh whole chickens, high-quality onions, and garlic at any local supermarket or fresh produce market. For the rice, standard long-grain white rice is best. If you cannot find fresh cheiro-verde, a combination of equal parts chopped Italian parsley and fresh spring onions is a perfect substitute.
Preparation method
- Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or flameproof casserole dish over medium heat.
- Brown the chicken pieces thoroughly on all sides until golden.
- Remove the browned chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft.
- Add the minced garlic and the green capsicum (if using) and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Toss in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down into a sauce.
- Stir in the turmeric or seasoning mix, ensuring it is well incorporated.
- Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, coating them well with the base mixture.
- Add the rice to the pot and stir for about 1 minute, ensuring every grain is coated in the flavours.
- Pour the boiling water over the mixture and taste, adjusting the salt if necessary.
- Once the liquid comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Check to ensure the chicken pieces are cooked through.
- Turn off the heat and stir through the chopped cheiro-verde.
- Cover the pot and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Observations
Galinhada is a beloved dish across Brazil, celebrated for its perfect marriage of succulent chicken and flavour-infused rice. It is a regional staple enjoyed throughout the country, making it the quintessential choice for a special Sunday lunch or a large family gathering, capturing the true spirit of Brazilian comfort food.
To achieve the perfect Galinhada, the secret lies in using quality ingredients and allowing the dish to simmer gently so the flavours can fully meld. While açafrão or annatto provides the signature golden hue and distinct aroma, aromatic base ingredients like onions, garlic, and fresh herbs form the foundation of the dish. While you can certainly get creative with additional vegetables, the traditional preparation is exceptionally satisfying on its own.
To achieve the perfect Galinhada, the secret lies in using quality ingredients and allowing the dish to simmer gently so the flavours can fully meld. While açafrão or annatto provides the signature golden hue and distinct aroma, aromatic base ingredients like onions, garlic, and fresh herbs form the foundation of the dish. While you can certainly get creative with additional vegetables, the traditional preparation is exceptionally satisfying on its own.
Ratings and comments