Chicken Xacuti Recipe – Goan Chicken Gravy
Dive into the rich, aromatic world of Goan cuisine with this Chicken Xacuti recipe, a dish that beautifully marries spices and the vibrant flavors of coastal India. Known for its intricate spice blend and coconut base, this dish promises a delightful experience for your palate and is perfect for a fulfilling lunch or a hearty dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (curry cut pieces) | 500 grams |
| Tamarind Water | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1-1/2 inches |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 8 cloves |
| Kashmiri Dry Red Chili | 8 |
| Fresh Coconut | 1/2 cup |
| Poppy Seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Cloves (Laung) | 4 |
| Cinnamon Stick | 1 inch |
| Black Peppercorns | 15 |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Coriander Seeds | 1-1/2 tablespoons |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1 tablespoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sesame Seeds (Til seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil | 1/2 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 350 |
| Protein | 30 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 15 grams |
| Fat | 20 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sodium | Variable, to taste |
Preparation Steps
-
Prepare the Chicken: Start by thoroughly washing the chicken pieces under cold water, ensuring they are clean. Once washed, marinate the chicken with salt, allowing it to rest while you prepare the spice blend and sauce.
-
Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, heat 1/2 teaspoon of sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and begin to take on a light golden color, which typically takes about 5 minutes.
-
Toast the Coconut: Add the grated fresh coconut to the pan with the onions and continue to sauté until the coconut turns a beautiful golden brown. Once done, remove this mixture from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
-
Roast the Spices: In the same pan, add the Kashmiri dry red chilies, poppy seeds, cloves, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, turmeric powder, sesame seeds, and fenugreek seeds. Roast these spices over low heat for about 3-5 minutes. Stir them frequently to ensure they don’t burn and allow the spices to release their aromatic oils. Once fragrant and lightly browned, remove from the heat and let them cool.
-
Make the Spice Paste: In a blender, combine the roasted spices with the sautéed onion and coconut mixture. Add a little water as needed and blend until you achieve a smooth, thick paste.
-
Cook the Masala: In a deep-bottomed pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the ground masala paste and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
-
Add Chicken and Simmer: Next, add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken in the masala, cooking for another 5 minutes while continuously stirring to ensure even cooking.
-
Add Water and Tamarind: Pour in enough water to cover the chicken, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked through, which should take around 20-25 minutes. Add the tamarind water, stirring to combine, and let it simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes on low flame to meld the flavors.
-
Final Touches: Once the chicken is cooked and the gravy has thickened to your liking, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a touch of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful Chicken Xacuti hot, paired with steamed rice for a traditional touch or with Ladi Pav, soft bread rolls that are perfect for soaking up the luscious gravy. Enjoy this Goan delicacy as part of your lunch or dinner, and let the vibrant flavors transport you to the beautiful shores of Goa.
This Chicken Xacuti recipe is not only a celebration of Goan cuisine but also a testament to the beautiful blend of spices that create unforgettable flavors in every bite. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to delight your friends and family with this exquisite dish that is sure to impress!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just beginning your culinary journey, this Chicken Xacuti recipe is accessible and enjoyable to prepare. Its rich flavor profile and the aromatic blend of spices will have everyone asking for seconds. Bon appétit!
