Important Note: Please note that the prep time, cook time, and servings may vary depending on the specific cooking techniques and equipment used. Adjustments can be made based on individual preferences and needs.
Chicken Cafreal | Flavorful Goan Chicken Delight | Authentic Goan Recipe
Experience the authentic flavors of Goan cuisine with this Chicken Cafreal recipe. It showcases the rich blend of Goan spices and the vibrant food culture of the region. Prepare this spicy and aromatic chicken dish for a delightful culinary journey into Goan culinary traditions.
Ingredients
- 1 bowl Chicken pieces
- 1 bunch Coriander leaves remove the hard stem and the roots
- 1 bunch Mint leaves remove the hard stem and the roots
- 4-5 nos Green chillies
- 6-8 no Cloves (lavang)
- 1 inch Cinnamon stick (Dalchini)
- 4-5 nos Cardamom Pods
- 100 gms Ginger
- 100 gms Garlic
- Vinegar to grind, as per requirement
- 10 gms Peppercorns
- Salt as per taste
Instructions
- Grind coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chillies, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, garlic, peppercorns, and salt into a smooth paste to create the flavorful green masala. This traditional Goan spice blend adds a unique taste to the dish.
- Clean the whole chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry.
- Coat the chicken pieces generously with the prepared green masala paste, ensuring they are well covered. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for about 6 hours to let the flavors penetrate.
Note: Use only the required amount of green masala for marination, reserving the remaining masala for future use.
- Close the lid and cook the chicken on medium heat for about 10 minutes, allowing it to absorb the rich flavors of the green masala. Then, flip the chicken pieces and continue cooking on low heat until the masala forms a dry coating on the chicken.
- Once cooked through and well blended with the green masala, the Chicken Cafreal is ready to be served.
- Enjoy this delicious Goan specialty with your favorite accompaniments, such as fries and a side salad.
Notes
- Chicken Cafreal is a flavorful and spicy dish from Goan cuisine, known for its unique blend of spices and herbs.
- The green masala used in this recipe can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for future use. It can last for several months, making it convenient for multiple preparations.
- Adjust the quantity of green masala according to your preference for spiciness. You can increase or decrease the amount of green chillies and peppercorns to suit your taste.
- Marinating the chicken for a few hours allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and results in a more flavorful dish. However, if you're short on time, even marinating for 30 minutes can enhance the taste.
- Shallow frying the marinated chicken helps in achieving a crispy exterior while retaining the tenderness of the meat. Ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly until it is well blended with the green masala.
- Chicken Cafreal pairs well with fries and a side salad, offering a complete and satisfying meal. You can also serve it with rice or bread for a heartier option.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level and seasonings according to your preference. You can add more or fewer green chillies and spices to suit your taste buds.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. The flavors tend to deepen and develop further, making it even more delicious with time.