Festival menu

Sorpotel and Sannas Combo Traditional Goan and Manglorean festive meal


Sarapatel or Sorpotel, is a dish of Portuguese origin now commonly cooked in the coastal konkan region of India, primarily Goa, Mangalore and East Indians of Mumbai Sarpatel. The former Estado da Índia Portuguesa colony. It is also prepared in northeastern Brazil. The word ‘sarapatel’ literally means confusion, referring to the mish-mash of ingredients which include Pork meat and offal (which includes heart, liver, tongue and even pork blood sometimes). However, in modern-day version, blood is rarely used as now getting the pure blood is slightly difficult. The meat is first parboiled, then diced and sauteed before being cooked in a spicy and vinegary sauce.

The flavourings and spices differ from region to region, for example, some use more vinegar. The size of the pieces also varies, as does cooking technique: some sautee the meat prior to cooking it in the sauce, while others add the diced parboiled meat directly to the sauce.

In Goa and Mangalore, Sorpotel is often accompanied by “sanna” – a spongy, white, and slightly sweet steamed rice and coconut bread. However, it can also be enjoyed with bread, on rice, or in a bun as a sandwich.

Made by African slaves in Brazil, the dish had the tail, ear, intestines, tongue and a hint of blood. It was a filling, rich ode to offal. The pork-loving Portuguese got it to India. What came to India was the version popular from Alentejo region of Portugal, to which the native Goan Christians and East Indians added their own tricks to make it even more interesting. It is this variety that is available today. Source – Wikipedia

Sorpotel

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Kg. Fatty Pork (Belly preferably). If using Pork Liver, use 1 Kg pork and ½ kg liver (I have not used liver as it’s not available here)
  • 2 Large onions, minced
  • 2 tsp. salt or to taste

Grind to a paste with vinegar

  • 1.5 cups vinegar
  • 25 Kashmiri Red chilies
  • 1 tsp. mustard seeds
  • 8 to 10 pepper corns
  • 1/2 tsp. Turmeric powder
  • 1 to 2 tsp. cumin seeds
  • 24 flakes garlic
  • 4” pc. Ginger
  • 4” pc. Cinnamon
  • 8 cardamoms
  • 8 cloves

Clean and wash pork (and liver if using) and cut into large pieces.  Heat the pork on  pan and fry for 10 minutes to release the fat, turning the pieces.  Do not add any additional oil. Drain the pork and keep the fat aside. 

Add the pork pieces to a large pan, add salt and enough water to cover the meat and bring to a boil.  Reduce flame and cook 30 minutes till meat is almost done.  Remove from heat, drain and reserve the stock. 

When meat is cool enough to handle, chop into tiny pieces.  If using liver, chop and keep the pork and liver pieces separate.  Do not mix them at this stage. Heat the pan again and add the fat which was set aside.  Add the chopped pork and fry for 10 minutes till light brown.  Drain and remove. Then add the liver pieces and fry 2 to 3 minutes, drain and remove. 

To the same pan, add the minced onion and fry till light brown.  Then add the ground paste and fry 2 to 3 minutes,  add pork and liver pieces and continue frying for 5 minutes.  Add the reserved stock and more water for the gravy and bring to a boil, cover and simmer till meat is tender.  Check seasonings and add salt, vinegar, as required.  Add water to thin down the gravy. 

Enjoy with Sannas, steamed rice, bread, poee or Fugias. For those who don’t eat pork, try this recipe with lamb or chicken liver…… delicious.

Sannas

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Idli Rice
  • 1 cup fresh grated coconut
  • Coconut water or Toddy as required to grind the batter
  • 1 tsp. salt  or to taste
  • ¾ tsp. active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • 2 tbsp. luke warm water

Method

Wash and soak rice overnight.  Grind with the coconut using coconut water or toddy, in 2 batches to a smooth paste of pouring consistency (not too thick). 

Bloom the yeast by adding the yeast to a mug, then add the sugar and lukewarm water, stir well, cover and leave aside for 10 minutes.  Once it blooms add to the rice batter and mix and beat the batter well with your hand.  In warm weather the batter should ferment in 2 to 3 hours.  In cold weather will take longer. 

When batter is fermented, set the steamer on heat.  Grease the sanna molds and fill them half way with batter allowing room for the sanna to rise.  Steam for 20 to 25 minutes.  After 20 minutes pierce a thoothpick in the sanna and it should come out clean, if not steam for another 5 minutes and test. 

Transfer the sannas to a water bath to cool slightly.  Demould with a butter knife, back of a spoon or simply pull them away from the edges with your fingers.  Place in a casserole spread with a muslin cloth or a wooden bowl or tray to prevent the warm sannas from sticking to the base. 

Enjoy for breakfast with a dollop of ghee or butter or with Sorpotel, any Pork curry or chicken or mutton curry.

The video is full of tips and steps for the perfect Sorpotel texture and taste and soft and spongy sannas!!

If you don’t have a steamer, cook your Sannas in an Oven. Check out the video below.

Gajjar Halwa Carrot Halwa


Gajjar ka halwa is a combination of nuts, milk, sugar, khoya and ghee with grated carrot. It is a light nutritious dessert. The orange carrots would be ideal for their color.  Gajar ka halwa, also known as gajorer halua, gajrela, gajar pak, and carrot halwa is a carrot-based sweet dessert pudding. The dessert is traditionally eaten during all of the festivals in India, mainly on the occasion of Diwali, Holi, Eid al–Fitr and Raksha Bandhan. It is served hot during the winter.  Check out the recipe for Khoya below.

Ingredients

  • ½ kg. Carrots
  • ½ litre (2 cups milk)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 tbsp. ghee
  • 1 tsp. Green cardamom powder
  • 2 to 3 tbsp. Khoya
  • Almonds, Pistas & Raisins for garnish

Peel, wash and grate carrots.  Cut the nuts into slivers.  You may blanch the nuts if you wish.  Soak raisins in water.  Boil milk in a kadai, add the grated carrots.  Reduce to medium heat and cook till carrots are tender and milk has evaporated, stirring frequently.  Add the sugar and mix  well, stirring until dissolved and the sugar liquid has evaporated.  Add the ghee and saute for 5 minutes.  Switch off flame and add cardamom powder and mix.  Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with Khoya, almonds, pistas and raisins and serve hot.

To Make Khoya:

Traditional method

  • 1 litre milk
  1. Put milk in a vessel, bring to a boil and reduce to low heat.
  2. Then stir after every 5 minutes until reduced by half.
  3. Thereafter, stir constantly while scraping the dried layer of milk that sticks to the sides, this will ensure the milk does not acquire a ‘burnt’ flavour, until reduced to a thick granular consistency.
  4. Remove to a bowl, cool and refrigerate.
  5. Use withing 48 hours in the refrigerator.
  6. Alternately keep in the freezer and use as when required.

Instant method

  • 250 gms milk powder
  • 250 gms cream
  1. Mix well together and microwave on high for 2 minutes.
  2. Remove, mix well and microwave for another 2 minutes.
  3. Use as required.

Chicken Pickled Chops


An East Indian speciality.  The chicken is cooked in just 4 spices ground in vinegar alongwith almonds and raisins and the masala is sauteed in a substantial amount of onions which not only adds body to the gravy but also makes it immensely flavorful, spicy complemented with sweetnes of the raisins and tartness of vinegar!

Ingredients

  • 1 Chicken
  • 2” pc ginger
  • 1 whole head garlic
  • 1 tbsp. cumin seeds
  • 8 red chillies
  • 1 tbsp. Almonds (or cashewnuts)
  • 1 tbsp. raisins
  • ¼ cup Vinegar
  • 6 to 8 large onions
  • 1 tsp. salt or to taste
  • 2 tbsp. ghee

Cut the chicken in to suitable pieces, discard the skin, wash and drain.  Clean the garlic and ginger and grind alongwith cumin and red chillies to a paste with vinegar.  You can add a little water to get the contents moving in the grinder as excess vinegar could ruin the dish.  Clean the onions and cut into thick roundels. Heat a vessel and add the ghee, when hot add the onions and fry till light brown. Add the masala paste and saute till fat separates.  Then add the chicken, mix, cover and cook on medium 30 minutes till tender.  Stir at intervals.  After 30 minutes add the salt, mix and check seasoning.  Simmer for further 5 to 10 minutes till fat appears on the surface.  Serve hot with rice or fugias.

Fugias


The recipe was given to me by my sister, which happens to be her in-laws family recipe, passed on to her by her Mother-in-law.  An East Indian traditional dish, mandatory at weddings and festive occasions.  Served with Sorpatel, Vindaloo or any spicy curry.  I have paired it with Chicken Pickled Chops, another East Indian preparation!

Ingredients

  • 500 gms.flour (maida)
  • 2 tbsp rice flour
  • 100 gms sugar
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • ¾  water
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp yeast
  • Oil for deep frying

Method:

Add the sugar, coconut milk, water, butter and salt to a saucepan and heat until the sugar melts.  Set aside to cool a bit. Take the flour in a large bowl or vessel, add the eggs, the yeast and the coconut milk mixture. make sure it’s not too hot but if it’s warm it may help in the dough rising faster. Use a hand mixer (if desired) and mix the batter till it’s like thick cake batter.
Add more water as required to get the right consistency. Should be of dropping consistency but not runny. Leave to ferment for 4 to 5 hrs.

To fry:

A little bit of practice goes a long way in making Fugias.  Mix the fermented batter.  Heat a Kadai or a wok and pour sufficient oil.  When hot, start making the fugias by grabbing the batter with your left hand and squeezing it between the opening in your palm between your thumb and forefinger, like when you form a fist.  Moisten your right hand fingers in water and scoop small balls, one at a time, with your right hand and put in the oil and deep fry on medium flame turning often to cook evenly till golden brown. Instead of your right hand, you can also use a spoon to scoop the batter.  Serve with your favorite curry or enjoy as a snack or with tea or coffee at breakfast.

Sheviyo Idiyappam String Hoppers


Sheviyo or Shevigo also known as Idiyappam or string hopper is made with ground rice steamed and then pressed into a hand held sev mould or a typical stand alone shevigo equipment.  In Kerala, Tamil Nadu etc Idiyappam is made of rice flour mixed with hot water 2:1 proportion with salt and little oil and kneaded to a soft dough.  The dough balls are then put in the sev mould and pressed onto idli trays and steamed.

I have illustrated the Mangalorean and Goan style of making the Sheviyo i.e. soaking rice, grind to a paste then steaming the batter as a rice cake which is then cut into pieces and pressed as string hoppers with a sev mould.

It can be eaten as a sweet dish for breakfast or a teatime snack garnish with chunn i.e. a jaggery coconut filling or with sweet ros i.e. coconut milk and jaggery mixture.

As a savoury dish serve them with any coconut milk (Roce) curry like chicken or mutton or vegetable stew.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups boiled rice or 1 cup basmati and one cup boiled mixed
  • 1 tsp. salt or to taste

Coconut Jaggery (Chunn) filling

  • 1 cup fresh grated coconut
  • ½ cup jaggery grated
  • ¼ tsp. cardamom powder

Coconut Jaggery Milk

  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • ½ cup jaggery or to taste
  • ¼ tsp. cardamom powder

Wash and soak the rice for atleast 6 hours.  Gridn to a smooth paste, add salt, mix and transfer to a cake tin to steam.  Set the steamer and when the water boils place the dish with the rice batter on the steamer and steam for 20 to 25 minutes on medium high.  To check if done, pierce a knife and should come out clean.  Cut the rice cake into large pieces and press the pieces through a sevio or sev (ghatia/chakli) mould using the plate with large holes (if you prefer thinner strands, use the plate with smaller holes) and press like noodles into small circular heaps. 

To make the chunn – heat a pan and add the grated jaggery, add a little water to speed up melting and cook till fully dissolved.  Add the coconut and cook for a minute, then add the cardamom powder and keep aside till required.

To make the sweet milk – Heat the coconut milk till it reaches boiling point and then add the jaggery and simmer till dissolved.  Add cardamom powder, mix and take off heat.

Serve with coconut jaggery filling or sweet coconut milk for breakfast or as teatime snack and with chicken or mutton curry or vegetable stew for lunch or dinner.

Kashmiri Rogan Josh


Rogan josh or roghan josh or roghan ghosht, is an aromatic curried meat dish of Kashmiri origin. It is made with red meat, traditionally lamb or goat. It is coloured and flavoured primarily by alkanet flower or root and Kashmiri chilies. It is one of the signature recipes of Kashmiri cuisine.

Rogan josh is a staple of Kashmiri cuisine and is one of the main dishes of the Kashmiri multicourse meal (the wazwan). The dish was originally brought to Kashmir by the Mughals, whose cuisine was, in turn, influenced by Persian cuisine. The unrelenting summer heat of the Indian plains took the Mughals frequently to Kashmir, which has a cooler climate because of its elevation and latitude.

While the traditional preparation uses whole dried chilies that are de-seeded, soaked in water, and ground to a paste, non-traditional shortcuts use either Kashmiri chili powder – source: Wikipedia

I was inspired to try this dish after watching Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s film Shikara (a 2020 film) where the protagonist is shown cooking and then announcing to her husband the Rogan Josh is ready! The film is based on the love story of a Kashmiri Pandit couple at the peak of insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1990s and the subsequent exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Kashmir Valley

A fairly simple recipe, without onions, garlic and a minimum of spices!

Ingredients

  • 1 kg. Mutton
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • ½ bunch coriander leaves
  • 2” pc ginger, chopped
  • 2 tsp. chilli powder or to taste
  • Pinch of asafoetida
  • ½ tsp. cumin seeds
  • 1” pc. Cinnamon
  • 2 cardamoms
  • 2 cloves
  • 4 peppercorns
  • Pinch of nutmeg powder
  • ½ tsp. mace
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. saffron
  • 2 tsp. hot milk
  • 4 tsp. ghee

Clean and cut mutton into large to medium pieces.  Beat yogurt and mix with coriander leaves, ginger, chilli powder and asafoetida.  Marinate the mutton with the yogurt mixture for 15 minutes.  Meanwhile, grind all the ingredients from cumin to mace to a smooth paste by adding a little water.  Heat crush and soak saffron in milk.  Heat ghee and add the mutton with the marinade.  Cook on moderate heat till all the water dries up. Will take 15 to 20 minutes. Cook further stirring constantly till ghee separates.  Add the paste, saffron and salt just enough water to cook the meat.  Cook for 30 minutes or till done.

Gulab Jamuns


Gulab Jamun

Quick & easy Gulab Jamuns!

For those watching their sugar consumption, just squeeze out the syrup and enjoy, no guilt feeling there……;)

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups milk powder
  • ½ cup maida (all purpose flour)
  • ½ tsp. soda bicarb
  • ¼ tsp. cardamom powder (optional)
  • 3 tbsp. melted ghee or butter
  • ¼ cup water, or as required
  • Ghee/Oil for frying

Optional for stuffing the gulab Jamuns

  • Few shelled pistas
  • Lump sugar (Khadisakkar/misri)

Syrup

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 cups water
  • 6 whole cardamoms, press to open them a little
  • Pinch of Saffron (Kesar)

Method

  1. Dilute the sugar with the water and boil alongwith cardamoms to a watery syrup. I prefer a light syrup.
  2. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes, add the saffron if using.
  3. While the syrup is boiling, mix the milk powder and maida alongwith the soda bicarb and cardamom powder (if using).
  4. Add the melted ghee and mix well.
  5. Knead adding little water at a time into a soft dough.
  6. Roll into 25 to 30 small round balls (they swell on frying and further swell when immersed in the syrup).
  7. You can stuff the gulab jamun with pista or misri with a bit of saffron if desired.
  8. Heat ghee/oil in a kadai for deep frying.
  9. Reduce the flame and fry the balls in batches of 10 or so, on low flame to a golden brown.
  10. If the fire is high the inside of the gulab jamun may remain uncooked.
  11. Remove, add to the syrup and set aside for the syrup to be absorbed. Serve preferably warm.

Creme Brulee


A rich cream base covered with a hardened caramel crust.  An exotic dessert,  albeit very simple to make with minimum ingredients.  You need to plan ahead to make this dessert as it requires to be refrigerated.  Makes a great dessert to have on the menu if planning a major party as it can be prepared ahead.  Usually served in individual ramekins.

Crème Brulee

Ingredients – serves 8

750 ml whipping cream (or 500 ml heavy cream and 1 cup milk)

8 egg yolks

½ cup sugar

3 tsp. vanilla essence

4 to 6 tbsp. sugar for topping

Heat the cream+milk in a saucepan and stir over low heat till it some to a boil. Remove immediately. Meanwhile whip the egg yolks with the sugar till creamy and sugar has dissolved.  When the cream starts boiling, pour gradually into the egg mixture.  Add the vanilla essence and stir.  Pre-heat oven.

Place 8 ramekins on a tray and pour the custard to ¾ full.  Place the trays in the middle of the heated oven and pour hot water into the trays to come up ½ inch around the ramekins to bake the custard in a water bath.  Bake on medium (170 deg C for 30 minutes till set. The custard will still jiggle a bit but will set once cooled. Remove from the water bath (bain marie) careful when handling the try with hot water and refrigerate 1 hour or overnight.

Once cooled, (and just before serving) sprinkle with 1 tbsp. sugar and use a blow torch to caramalise the sugar layer.  Alternatively place all the ramekins under the grill (broiler) and caramelize till golden brown.  Another method is to caramelize the sugar in a saucepan and pour over the custard in a thin layer and leave to set. Place once again in the refrigerator until serving time.  The caramelization must be done just before serving as it is supposed to be hard, so as to crack it with your spoon to enjoy the crunch of the caramel and the soft luscious custard with each morsal of the crème brulee.  Simply heaven on your tongue and the feeling of goodness in your tummy!!

Patoleo made in Banana Leaf


I am putting out this post early so that those who don’t have access to turmeric leaves (traditionally used for patoleos/pathoyos/patolis) can use alternatives rather than dampen the spirit of the celebration. True, the delicious flavour and aroma of turmeric leaves will be sacrificed…. I will just imagine the aroma with every bite of the banana leaf patoleos!

Secondly, many skip making patoleos due to time constraints. In that situation, prepare them on the next weekend, freeze them and steam the patoleos on the day required so you can enjoy them freshly steamed.

August 15 (Independence Day in India) happens to coincide with the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (a Holy day of obligation) and Patoleos are a significant item prepared by Goan & Mangalorean catholics on this day. East Indians call it Pan Mori or East Indian leaf cakes. It is also prepared on St, John’s feast (Sao Joao fest) and Konsachem fest (harvest festival). Ediyos, or Pudde steamed in jackfruit leaves were also prepared on August 15, by my mother.

Konkani hindus prepare patoleos on the second Sunday of Sharavan or Nag Panchami and on Hartalika, the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi. Salt-free patoleos, are offered to Goddess Parvati, who the legends say had a strong craving for these sweets during pregnancy.

If Turmeric leaves are not available in your region, be creative and use any leaves (that can be used for cooking) available near you like banana, fig, bay, maple, teak, corn husks, Okra (Lady finger) leaves, etc. Champa flower leaves are also used for steaming food and enjoy your sweet steamed rice cakes. Be creative and make do with what is available and enjoy rather than omitting your traditional foods altogether!

Patoleo

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup basmati rice
  • 1/2 cup boiled rice
  • 1 cup coconut to grind with rice (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups grated coconut
  • 1 cup jaggery, grated
  • 6 cardamoms, powdered
  • Pinch of salt
  • Fresh haldi (saffron) leaves or any edible available leaves

Method

  • Mix the remaining coconut and jaggery and cook till blended. 
  • Add cardamom powder and mix.
  • Set aside to cool. 
  • Wipe the leaves clean.
  • Apply the rice paste evenly over the leaf taking care to spread in the direction of the ridges of the leaf. This gives a subtle ridged effect to the patoleos when cooked.
  • Spread a tablespoon full or more as required of the coconut jaggery filling over the rice paste on one side of the leaf. 
  • Fold the leaf over and prepare all the patolis in similar manner. 
  • If the leaves are too big, cut the patolis in half or quarters so that they fit comfortably into the steamer. 
  • Put some water into the steamer and bring to a boil.
  • Place the tray and put the patoleos into the steamer. 
  • You can even place them one over the other. 
  • Place the lid on the steamer and steam for 20 to 25 minutes till done. 
  • The leaf will change color and the patolis will be firm. 
  • Remove and enjoy!!

For more post on Patholis:

Patoleo

Tumeric Patoleo leaves

Ediyo – Pudde

Beef Croquettes


Beef CROQUETTES

Ingredients

  • 1 Kg. Boneless Beef or Beef mince (substitute with lamb/chicken)
  • 4 medium onions, chopped
  • 12 cloves garlic
  • 2” fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp. turmeric
  • 2 tsp. garam masala powder, or to taste
  • 1 lemon, juice
  • 2 bread slices without edges
  • 1 egg lightly beaten
  • ½ cup freshly chopped coriander leaves
  • 6 to 8 green chillies
  • Salt to taste
  • Rawa/semolina for rolling
  • Oil for frying

Method

  1. Combine ingredients upto turmeric powder, add salt, ½ cup water and cook till almost dry.
  2. Set aside to cool down a bit.
  3. Break the bread into pieces and add to the cooked mince with the garam masala, lemon juice and coriander.
  4. Mix well and grind to a fine paste. 
  5. Add egg and mix well. 
  6. Chill the mixture for half an hour to make it easier to handle.
  7. Shape the mince paste into small cylindrical rolls and roll in rawa to coat. 
  8. Chill another 15 minutes. 
  9. Remove and shallow fry in a pan on medium flame till lightly brown and crisp.
  10. Keep turning the croquettes so that they are evenly browned on all sides. 
  11. Drain on absorbent paper and serve hot.

Butter Chicken – Makhani Chooze


Indian cooking is synonymous with Butter Chicken & Tandoori chicken.  This recipe gives you both. I use full chicken or chicken whole legs when making only tandoori chicken but I prefer to use boneless chicken breasts for butter chicken.  Don’t be alarmed by the amount of butter used in the recipe…you are not going to eat the whole pot, are you? If you are then I’d be alarmed!  Anyway, for the health conscious, you may adjust the butter and cream as per your requirements.  Actually I don’t use butter for tandoori chicken on most occasions, if I do may be just a tablespoon if the chicken turns out too dry. But I do use butter for butter chicken…..for what is butter chicken without butter?!

Makhani Chooze - Butter Chicken

  • Servings: 10-12
  • Difficulty: worth the effort
  • Print

Ingredients

  • 2 medium tandoori chickens (Murgh Tandoori)  or 2 lbs. boneless tandoori chicken breasts

The Gravy

  • 250g butter , or as required
  • 3 tbsp. ginger paste
  • 3 tbsp. garlic paste
  • 4 cups tomatoes, chopped or 3 cups passata
  • Salt
  • 1 tbsp ginger chopped
  • 8 green chillies chopped
  • 5 tsp. cashewnut paste
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika or chillie powder
  • 150 ml or 2/3 cup cream
  • 1/4 cup coriander leaves chopped

The Tandoori Chicken – 1st marinade

  • 2 medium chickens or 2 lbs. boneless chicken breasts (for butter chicken)
  • Salt
  • 2 tsp red chillie powder or to taste
  • 4 tbs. lemon juice
  • Butter for basting (optional)

2nd Marinade

  • 100g/6 tbsp. yoghurt
  • 100g/7 tbsp. cream
  • 2 1/2 tsp ginger paste
  • 2 1/2 tsp garlic paste
  • 1 tsp. cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp. saffrom
  • 1 drop orange color
  1. Marinate the chicken with salt, chillie powder and lemon juice. Keep aside for 15 minutes.
  2. Whisk yoghurt in a large bowl, add the remaining ingredients and mix well.  Rub the chicken with this mixture.  Keep aside for four hours or overnight if desired.
  3. Preheat oven to 350deg F. Skewer the chicken from tail to head, leaving a gap of at least 2 inches between the birds. Keep a tray underneath to collect the drippings. Roast in a hot tandoor or pre-heated oven till the moisture evaporates and it starts leaving oil. Baste with butter, if required.
  4. Your tandoori chicken is now ready!
  5. Cut the tandoori chicken into desired sized pieces or the breasts into strips.
  6. Melt half the butter in a pot, add the ginger and garlic pastes and stir over medium heat until the liquid evaporates. (To save the effort of sieving the tomato gravy, use tomato Passata (readymade tomato puree) instead. Please don’t make the puree with tomato paste, does not give the same results. I have used passata in this recipe.
  7. Melt the remaining butter in a vessel, add chopped ginger and green chillies, saute over medium heat for a minute.
  8. Add cashewnut paste and saute until light brown, add paprika or chillie powder and stir.
  9. Than add the tomato gravy, bring to a boil, add the tandoori chicken and simmer for 10 minutes or till fat surfaces.  Stir-in cream and adjust seasoning.
  10. Remove to a bowl, garnish with coriander leaves and serve with naan or any bread of your choice.

Goan Pulao Aroz


  • Goan Pulao Aroz
  • Pulao & Roast Beef meal – Goan

Goan Pulao – Aroz

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Basmati rice
  • 2 medium onions
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 2 soup cubes
  • 2” stick cinnamon
  • 6 to 8 cloves
  • 5 cardamoms
  • ½ tsp. turmeric
  • 1 tsp. salt, or to taste
  • 2 to 3 tbsp. ghee
  • 4 Cups hot water

Method

  1. Wash rice and soak for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Slice the onions,
  3. chop tomatoes.
  4. Heat a wide thick bottom pan and add the ghee.
  5. When hot add the whole spices and the sliced onions.
  6. Saute till the onions are light brown.
  7. Add the tomatoes and fry till soft.
  8. Add turmeric, soup cubes and salt and fry for a minute till the cubes soften.
  9. Add 4 cups hot water and stir to ensure the soup cubes are completely dissolved.
  10. Then add the rice and stir to mix.
  11. Cover and bring to a boil.
  12. Reduce heat to low and cook till water is completely absorbed.
  13. Stir the rice in between gently, to combine the flavours.
  14. Serve hot.

Beef Roulade


Beef Roulade

Goan Beef Roulade

Beef steak stuffed rolls – I am calling this Goan Beef Roulade because this is the spicy version of Beef Olives with typical Goan flavors as it includes Chorizo (Goan sausages) in the stuffing. The Beef Olives I have made earlier are a milder version leaning more towards continental cuisine. Try them, both are delicious in their own right!!

Ingredients

  • 1 kg. Beef steaks, beaten
  • 2 medium chopped onions
  • 2 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 2 to 4 tbsp. oil or ghee
  • Stuffing : Potato, Carrots, Choris (Goan sausages), Bacon, as required

Grind to a smooth paste

  • 10 red chillies
  • 1 ½ “ pc. Ginger
  • 10 cloves garlic
  • 10 cloves
  • 1” cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. cumin seeds
  • ½ tsp. peppercorns
  • ½ tsp. turmeric
  • 4 tbsp. vinegar
  • 1 tsp. salt

Method:

P.S.: Ask the butcher to beat and flatten the steaks well. If not you will need to use a mallet or heavy pestle to beat the steaks to thin them so forming the rolls is easier. 

  1. Wash, drain and marinate the steaks in the ground masala paste for one hour.
  2. Prepare the stuffing. 
  3. Peel, wash and cut one potato in 2” sticks. 
  4. Wash carrot, peel and cut into 2” sticks. 
  5. Remove the Goan sausages from the casings. 
  6. Cut the bacon into 2” strips.  As bacon is not available here I have skipped it.  
  7. Spread the steaks on a board and trim off any excess meat and you need a rectangle piece. 
  8. Reserve the extra meat trimmings 
  9. Place the potato, carrot and sausages on one end of the steak and roll into a compact roll. 
  10. Secure with string or toothpicks. Thus make all the rolls.
  1. Heat a wide pan, add the oil/ghee and fry the chopped onions, w
  2. When they soften and are translucent, add the tomato paste and saute 2 to 3 minutes. 
  3. Place the rolls in a single layer (reserve the excess marinade) and fry 3 to 4 minutes on high till light brown. 
  4. Turn over and cook 20 minutes till the gravy almost dries up. 
  5. Stir well scraping the bottom of the pan to avoid burning the onions. 
  6. Add the excess marinade and some water to rinse the bowl and add to the roulade gravy. 
  7. Also add the leftover potatoes and carrots, if any, chopped finely.
  8. Check and adjust seasoning. 
  9. Cook till meat is tender and gravy is thick and oil surfaces. 
  10. Any rolls that are large in size can be cut into pieces before serving. 
  11. Remove the string before serving. 
  12. Toothpicks may be left as it is as they can be easily removed.  Serve hot.

Xacuti


Xacuti

Xacuti or Xacutti (Konkani: शागोती) is a curry prepared in Goa, India, with complex spicing, including white poppy seeds, sliced or grated coconut and large dried red chilies.[1] It is usually prepared with chicken, lamb, or beef.[2][3] It is also known as chacuti in Portuguese.

Xacuti or Shagoti as is commonly known in Goa has its origin in Harmal (now Arambol) in Pernem Taluka of Goa. Here fisherman in the olden days used to get a fresh catch of fish or a local chicken and prepare a gravy for this dish. The gravy typically used local spices like black pepper (meerya), chilli, turmeric, onion, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, etc. The hero was a mildly roasted coconut kernel which is finely grated and lightly toasted. – Source Wikipedia:

Chicken Xacuti

A traditional Goan dish, Xacuti (pronounced ‘Sha-kooti’) almost always made with chicken and the complex array of spices used in preparation of this dish makes is wonderfully flavorful and unique.  Xacuti may also be prepared with beef or lamb.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ Kg. Chicken
  • ¼ tsp. turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp. salt

Marination

  • 2” pc. ginger
  • 10 flakes garlic
  • ½ bunch coriander leaves
  • 5 green chillies

Xacuti Masala I

Fry in 1 tsp. oil and grind

  • 1 tsp. oil
  • 3 onions, sliced
  • 3 green chillies
  • 1.5” pc. Ginger
  • 7 garlic flakes
  • 1 large coconut (2 cups grated)
  • ½ bunch coriander leaves

Heat oil in a pan and saute sliced onions, green chillies, ginger, garlic for 3 minutes.  Add grated coconut and saute for another 5 to 7 mns.  Once onions are crispy, keep aside.

Xacuti Masala II

Dry Roast the following

  1. ¼ pc. nutmeg
  2. 2” cinnamon
  3. 3 cardamoms
  4. 1 star anise
  5. 1 tsp. fennel (badishep, saunf)
  6. 1 tsp. black pepper
  7. 1 tbsp. poppy seeds
  8. 1 tbsp. coriander seeds
  9. 8 to 10 kashmiri chillies
  10. ½ tsp. turmeric

Grind all the above together to make the xacuti masala paste.

Xacuti preparation

  • 2 tsp. oil
  • 2 onions, sliced
  • 2 green chillies, slit
  • ¼ cup water

Method

  1. Clean, remove skin and cut chicken into pieces. 
  2. Wash and drain. Add salt and turmeric powder to chicken pieces. 
  3. Grind the marination masala and marinate the chicken pieces for half an hour, or overnight if desired.
  4. Heat oil and add onions and green chillies and fry for a minute. 
  5. Add the marinated chicken and saute for 2 minutes. 
  6. Add the xacuti masala and water and cook 30 to 45 minutes or till chicken is tender. 
  7. Serve hot with bread, rice or sannas.

Cafreal


Frango à Cafreal is a spicy chicken preparation consumed widely in the Indian state of Goa. The preparation originated from the Portuguese colonies in the African continent.[1] It was introduced into the Goan cuisine by the Portuguese and the African soldiers serving under the Portuguese.

The generic preparation involves green chillies, fresh coriander leaves, onion, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, pepper, chilli, mace, clove powder and lime juice or vinegar. Chicken Cafreal is always made from whole chicken legs, flavoured with the spices and herbs mentioned and then shallow fried.[2] Chicken Cafreal is usually accompanied by potato wedges and lime wedges. It is a popular dish in the bars and taverns of the state. – Source: Wikipedia

This recipe s inspired by Late Wendell Rodricks

Cafreal – Chicken Cafreal

Ingredients

  • 1.5 kg. Chicken
  • 1 tsp. garam masala powder
  • 1 tsp. black peppercorns
  • ½ tsp. Turmeric powder
  • 1 bunch coriander leaves (about 100 gms)
  • 12 to 15 flakes garlic
  • 2” piece ginger
  • 6 green chillies (or to taste)
  • 10 cashewnuts
  • 2 Onions
  • 4 Tomatoes (deseeded) (Optional)
  • 2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp. Coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp. ghee or as required

Method

  1. Clean and cut the chicken into large pieces.
  2. Wash and set aside to drain.
  3. Grind to a paste the ingredients from garam masala to lemon juice alongwith the salt.
  4. Marinate the chicken with this masala. 
  5. Refrigerate overnight.
  6. Heat 2 tbsp ghee and fry the chicken in batches to light brown to seal the juices. 
  7. Set chicken aside
  8. Reserve the marinade.
  9. Add the coconut oil to the ghee left over from frying the chicken. 
  10. If not add a tbsp of ghee to a vessel, heat and fry the masala paste for 5 minutes till the raw smell disappears and fat leaves the masala. 
  11. Add the chicken, salt (if required), 1 cup hot water and cook till chicken is tender and gravy is thick. 
  12. Serve hot garnished with onion rings and lemon wedges.
  13. Repeated reheating gives a deeper color and improves the taste and texture of the gravy and the Cafreal just tastes better!
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