Goan Stuffed Masala (Recheado Masala)
A flavorful explosion of spice and tang, the Goan Stuffed Masala (Recheado Masala) is an authentic Goan recipe, perfect for creating delicious curries and stir-fries. This versatile masala blends the heat of dry red chilies, the tanginess of tamarind, and the richness of whole spices like cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom. Its deep, aromatic profile is further enhanced by the sweetness of jaggery and the savory depth of onions, garlic, and ginger. Whether you’re preparing vegetable curries, seafood, or meat dishes, this Recheado Masala is an essential ingredient to elevate your meals to the next level.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dry Red Chillies | 10 |
| Tamarind Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Cloves (Laung) | 4 pieces |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 pods |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 stick |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Peppercorns | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ginger | 1 inch piece |
| Garlic | 8 cloves |
| Onion | 1 large, sliced |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Jaggery | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Instructions
-
Soak the Spices and Aromatics:
Begin by soaking the dry red chilies, cloves, cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cardamom pods, ginger, and garlic in the vinegar. Allow them to soak for at least 4-5 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. -
Roast the Onions:
In a pan, heat a teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté them until they become soft and lightly caramelized. Set the onions aside to cool. -
Grind the Mixture:
Once the soaking time has passed, take the soaked spices, ginger, garlic, and tamarind paste, and grind them together into a smooth paste. Add the caramelized onions, jaggery, salt, and turmeric powder to the mixture and blend until well combined. -
Adjust the Seasoning:
Taste the Recheado Masala and adjust the salt as needed. The consistency should be smooth, and the balance of spice, sweetness, and tang should be perfect. -
Ready to Use:
Your Recheado Masala is now ready to use! This rich, aromatic paste can be the base for a variety of dishes, such as Goan-style Recheado Bangdo (stuffed fish) or Recheado Chicken Naan Wraps.
This Goan Stuffed Masala is an essential pantry staple for anyone looking to explore authentic Goan flavors. Packed with complex spices, tangy tamarind, and the slight sweetness of jaggery, it brings a delightful fusion of flavors to your dishes, whether you’re cooking up a vegetable curry, grilling seafood, or preparing a meat dish.
