Chicken Xacuti, Goan Coconut Rice and Koshimbir

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup Basmati Rice
• 1 cup Coconut Milk (full-fat, for best results)
• 2 cup Water
• 2 tbsp Coconut Oil
• 1 pcs Onion (medium, thinly sliced)
• 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
• 2 pcs Green Chilli (slit lengthwise)
• 1 pcs Cinnamon Stick (1-inch piece)
• 4 pcs Cloves
• 3 pcs Green Cardamom (pods, lightly crushed)
• 1 pcs Star Anise
• 2 tbsp Cashews (whole or halved)
• 2 tbsp Raisins
• 0.25 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (freshly chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water is clear. Soak the rice in ample water for 20-30 minutes. Drain it completely using a fine-mesh sieve and set aside.

2. 2

   Fry Garnish: Heat coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the cashews and sauté for 1-2 minutes until they turn a light golden brown. Add the raisins and cook for another 30 seconds until they puff up. Remove both with a slotted spoon and reserve for garnish.

3. 3

   Temper Spices: In the same pot with the remaining oil, add the whole spices: cinnamon stick, cloves, crushed green cardamom, and star anise. Sauté for about 30-45 seconds until they release their aroma.

4. 4

   Sauté Aromatics: Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chillies, and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.

5. 5

   Toast the Rice: Add the turmeric powder and stir for a few seconds. Add the drained rice to the pot. Gently sauté for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to break the grains. This step helps make the rice fluffy and non-sticky.

6. 6

   Cook the Rice: Pour in the coconut milk and water. Add the salt and stir gently to combine. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

7. 7

Ingredients

• 2 medium Cucumber (finely chopped)
• 1 small Onion (finely chopped)
• 1 medium Tomato (finely chopped and deseeded)
• 2 pcs Green Chili (finely chopped, adjust to taste)
• 3 tbsp Roasted Peanuts (coarsely crushed)
• 1 cup Curd (thick and whisked until smooth)
• 3 tbsp Coriander Leaves (chopped)
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 0.75 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp Ghee
• 0.5 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 0.5 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 0.25 tsp Hing
• 5 pcs Curry Leaves

Instructions

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped cucumber, onion, tomato, and green chili. This forms the base of your salad.

2. 2

   Add the coarsely crushed roasted peanuts, chopped coriander leaves, and sugar to the vegetable mixture. Mix well. Do not add salt or curd yet to prevent the salad from becoming watery.

3. 3

   Prepare the tempering (tadka). Heat ghee in a small tadka pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter completely, about 30 seconds. Add the cumin seeds, hing, and curry leaves. Sauté for another 20-30 seconds until the curry leaves turn crisp and aromatic. Turn off the heat and let the tempering cool for a minute.

4. 4

   Just before serving, add the whisked curd and salt to the vegetable bowl. Mix gently until everything is just combined.

5. 5

   Pour the slightly cooled tempering over the koshimbir. Give it a final gentle mix. Garnish with a few more coriander leaves if desired and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.