Portuguese Chicken, Lemon and Mint Soup

By the3qberrys

Per serving: Calories 347; Fat 13 g (Saturated 4 g); Cholesterol 170 mg; Sodium 447 mg; Carbohydrate 7 g; Fiber 0 g; Protein 47 g

Ingredients

• 1 4-to-5-pound chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 stalk celery, roughly chopped
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 4 sprigs parsley
• 2 wide strips lemon zest
• 4 sprigs mint, plus 1/4 cup chopped mint
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 4 quarts water or low-sodium chicken broth (or a combination)
• 1/4 cup white rice
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (2 tablespoons) Kosher salt
• Cayenne pepper

Details

Cooking time 120mins

Preparation

Step 1

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.