Spicy & Tangy Goan Chicken Stew with Vegetables
This flavorful Spicy & Tangy Goan Chicken Stew is the perfect combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich blend of spices, all cooked together in a tangy tamarind broth. It’s a hearty dish that transports you to the coastal region of Goa, offering a delightful and wholesome meal that’s packed with nutrients and flavors. Served best with steamed rice or Goan-style Sana (soft steamed rice cakes), this recipe is sure to impress your family or guests for any dinner gathering.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (preferably with bones) | 500 grams |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Tomato (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Green Chilies (slit) | 4 |
| Carrots (chopped) | 2 |
| Potatoes (peeled & diced) | 2 |
| Green Peas | 1/3 cup |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 inch |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 6 cloves |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Tamarind Paste | 4 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Gingelly Oil (or any oil) | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | As required |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions
-
Prep the Chicken:
Begin by washing the chicken pieces thoroughly. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with red chili powder, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate the chicken for about 1 hour to marinate. -
-
Prepare Tamarind Water:
In a small bowl, dissolve the tamarind paste in about 1 ½ cups of water. Stir to make sure it’s well mixed and set aside. -
Cook the Base:
Heat the gingelly oil in a large wok or pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped ginger and garlic, and sauté for 2 minutes or until the raw smell disappears. -
Sauté Onions and Green Chilies:
Add the chopped onions and slit green chilies to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn soft and translucent. -
Add Tomatoes:
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the tomatoes soften and begin to break down. -
Cook the Chicken:
Now, add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the chicken is partially cooked and the flavors have started to meld. -
Add Vegetables and Spices:
Add the chopped carrots, diced potatoes, and green peas to the pan. Stir to combine. Then, add the coriander powder, cumin powder, black pepper powder, and salt to taste. Mix well to ensure the vegetables and chicken are coated with the spices. -
Add Tamarind Water and Simmer:
Pour in the tamarind water mixture, along with additional water if needed to achieve a stew-like consistency. Stir everything together, cover the pan, and let the stew simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. -
Final Touches:
Once the chicken and vegetables are fully cooked, check for seasoning. Adjust salt and spice levels according to your taste. -
Serve:
Turn off the heat and let the stew rest for a few minutes. Serve your Spicy & Tangy Goan Chicken Stew with Goan Style Sana (soft steamed rice cakes) or hot steamed rice for the perfect comforting meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~330 kcal |
| Protein | ~32g |
| Carbohydrates | ~25g |
| Fat | ~14g |
| Fiber | ~5g |
| Sodium | ~650mg |
| Vitamin C | ~40% DV |
| Iron | ~15% DV |
Tips for the Best Goan Chicken Stew:
- Bone-in Chicken: Using bone-in chicken enhances the flavor of the stew, as the bones release more marrow during cooking, resulting in a richer broth.
- Tamarind Paste: If you find the tamarind paste too sour, you can reduce the quantity slightly, depending on your preference for tanginess.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to include other Goan vegetables like drumsticks (moringa) or beans to make the stew even more hearty.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder stew, reduce the amount of green chilies and black pepper powder. For an extra kick, increase the spice levels as desired.
- Resting Time: Allow the stew to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together even more beautifully.
This Spicy & Tangy Goan Chicken Stew is not just a meal; it’s an experience—a warm, comforting dish filled with a wonderful blend of spices, the natural sweetness of vegetables, and the perfect balance of tanginess from tamarind. Paired with soft rice or Goan Sana, it brings an unforgettable taste of Goa right to your table. Enjoy!
