goanMediumnon vegetariangluten freedairy freenut free
Chicken Cafreal
RATING
4.4/5(78)
TASTE SCORE
9/10
This classic Goan dish features tender chicken marinated in a vibrant, spicy green paste of fresh cilantro, chillies, and aromatic spices. It's pan-fried to perfection, resulting in a tangy and flavorful semi-dry curry.
SERVINGS
4
INGREDIENTS
For 4 servings
NUTRITION · PER SERVING
461
461
CALORIES · 150 G
Protein32g · 28%
Carbs27g · 23%
Fat26g · 51%
Fiber4g
Sodium1001mg
Potassium999mg
Phosphorus352mg
INSTRUCTIONS
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
5 STEPS
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Cafreal Masala: In a grinder or blender, combine the coriander leaves, green chillies, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, and cumin seeds. Add the turmeric powder, tamarind paste, vinegar, salt, and sugar. Blend everything into a smooth, thick paste. Add a tablespoon of water only if necessary to help it grind.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Marinate the Chicken: Make a few shallow cuts or slits on the chicken pieces with a knife. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the prepared green masala paste, ensuring it gets into the slits. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. For best results, marinate for 2-4 hours.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Potatoes and Onions: Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. If using potatoes, fry the slices until they are light golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. In the same oil, add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn soft and golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces in the pan in a single layer. Reserve any leftover marinade. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken gets some color. Add the remaining marinade to the pan, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Stir occasionally to prevent the masala from sticking and burning.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, add the fried potato slices back to the pan. Gently mix everything together and cook for another 2 minutes. Serve hot with Goan pao (bread), rice, or a simple salad.
PRO TIPS
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use fresh and tender coriander leaves.
- 2Marinating the chicken for a few hours will make it more flavorful and tender.
- 3Cook the chicken on medium-low heat to ensure it cooks through without burning the masala.
- 4A little sugar helps balance the tanginess from the vinegar and tamarind.
- 5Traditionally, this dish is quite spicy. Feel free to reduce the number of green chillies for a milder version.
- 6Serve with sliced onions and a wedge of lime for extra zest.
RECIPE VARIATIONS
Adapt it for your goals.
vegetarian
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 250g of paneer cubes or 400g of firm mushrooms. Marinate for 30 minutes and pan-fry until golden.
quickQuick
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces. They will marinate faster and cook in about 10-12 minutes.
healthyHealthy
Instead of pan-frying, grill or bake the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
PAIRS WELL WITH
