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Chicken Cafreal - A Flavorful Goan Delight with Spices and Tang

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    ChefPandas
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🍲 About This Dish

Chicken Cafreal is a beloved Goan dish with roots in the Portuguese influence on Goan cuisine. Originally introduced by the Portuguese during their colonial rule in Goa, this dish has evolved over the years to become a staple in Goan households and restaurants alike. Known for its vibrant green color and bold flavors, Chicken Cafreal is a perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and aromatic notes that tantalize the taste buds.

🌶️ Ingredients Overview

  • Chicken : Murgh (Indian)
  • Coriander Leaves : Dhaniya Patta (Indian)
  • Green Chilies : Hari Mirch (Indian)
  • Ginger-Garlic Paste : Adrak-Lasun Paste (Indian)
  • Lime Juice : Nimbu Ka Ras (Indian)
  • Spices : Black Peppercorns, Cloves, Cumin Seeds, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Turmeric, and Red Chili Powder

✨ What Makes It Special

Chicken Cafreal showcases the blend of Indian and Portuguese influences on Goan cuisine. While the basic recipe remains consistent, variations can be found across different regions of India. In Goa, the dish is typically prepared with a generous amount of fresh coriander, mint leaves, and green chilies, giving it a unique flavor profile.

📝 Ingredients

  • 1 whole Chicken, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup Coriander Leaves
  • 4-5 Green Chilies
  • 2 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice
  • Whole Spices: 1 tsp Black Peppercorns, 4-5 Cloves, 1 tsp Cumin Seeds, 1-inch Cinnamon Stick, 2-3 Cardamom Pods
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
  • Salt to taste

🥄 Spice Blend (Masala)

  1. Dry roast the whole spices until fragrant.
  2. Grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder.
  3. Mix in turmeric powder and red chili powder to create the masala for marinating the chicken.

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

  1. Make a paste of coriander leaves, green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, lime juice, and salt.
  2. Marinate the chicken pieces with this paste and the prepared spice blend. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours.
  3. Heat oil in a pan and fry the marinated chicken pieces until they are cooked through and slightly charred.
  4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and lime wedges.

⏰ Timing Guide

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Marination Time: 2 hours
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Chicken Cafreal is traditionally served hot with pao (Goan bread) or steamed rice. A side of fresh salad and a wedge of lime perfectly complement the flavors of this dish. To enhance the experience, pair it with a cool glass of kokum juice or a refreshing coconut-based drink.

💭 Chef's Notes

For an authentic taste, use a generous amount of fresh coriander and mint leaves in the marinade. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference, keeping in mind that the dish is meant to have a medium-hot kick. To elevate the dish further, consider grilling the marinated chicken for a smoky flavor.

📦 Storage

Store any leftover Chicken Cafreal in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on a stovetop or in a microwave to retain the flavors. This dish tastes even better the next day as the spices have had time to meld together.