World Flavors Cookbook

Galinhada com Pequi

A traditional chicken and rice dish from the Brazilian Cerrado, flavored with the unique, aromatic pequi fruit.

Cuisine: Brazil

Ingredients

• 1kg chicken pieces (thighs and legs)
• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 6-8 whole pequi fruits
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp turmeric or saffron
• Cilantro and green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic. Brown in a large pot.
2. Add onion and pequi fruits. Sauté for a few minutes.
3. Add rice and turmeric, stirring to coat.
4. Add boiling water (about 4 cups) and cook over medium-low heat until rice is tender.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
6. CAUTION: Do not bite into the pequi fruit; it has sharp spines inside. Scrape the pulp with your teeth.