Goan Style Frango Vera (Chicken Vera) Recipe – A Spicy Goan Delight
If you’re craving a flavorful and aromatic chicken dish that brings the essence of Goa to your dining table, look no further than Goan Style Frango Vera (Chicken Vera). This recipe, also known as Chicken Vera, is a popular Goan appetizer that combines tender drumsticks marinated in a rich, spicy Recheado masala. The masala, made with a blend of dry red chillies, garlic, whole spices, and tamarind, infuses the chicken with bold, tangy, and smoky flavors. The chicken is then pan-roasted to perfection, giving it a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful on the inside.
This dish is a great addition to any meal, but it’s especially perfect when served with Goan Fish Curry and Steamed Rice for a complete Goan feast. Here’s how you can make this mouthwatering Goan Style Frango Vera at home.
Ingredients for Goan Style Frango Vera (Chicken Vera)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Drumsticks (chicken) | 2 |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower oil | As needed for frying |
| Dry red chillies | 10 |
| Garlic cloves | 3 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch piece |
| Whole black peppercorns | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Tamarind paste | 18 grams |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 60 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 105 minutes |
| Servings | 2 |
Cuisine and Dietary Information
| Cuisine | Goan Recipes |
|---|---|
| Course | Appetizer |
| Diet | High Protein, Non-Vegetarian |
Instructions for Goan Style Frango Vera
Step 1: Prepare the Recheado Masala
The secret to the rich and tangy flavor of Goan Style Frango Vera lies in the Recheado masala. To make this, take a mixer jar and combine the following ingredients:
- Dry red chillies
- Garlic cloves
- Cloves (Laung)
- Cinnamon stick (Dalchini)
- Whole black peppercorns
- Chopped onion
- Tamarind paste
Add a little water and blend the mixture into a smooth paste. Set the masala aside in a bowl.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, wash and clean the chicken drumsticks thoroughly. Make small incisions (scores) on each drumstick to allow the masala to seep into the meat. Apply the freshly prepared Recheado masala generously over the chicken, making sure it is well-coated. Sprinkle turmeric powder and salt to taste, and mix it all together. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Pan-Roast the Chicken
After marinating, heat a flat skillet or frying pan over medium flame and add a drizzle of sunflower oil. Once the oil is hot, place the marinated drumsticks in the pan. Allow them to sizzle and cook on slow heat, turning occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. This should take around 12-15 minutes for the chicken to cook thoroughly and develop a crispy, roasted exterior.
Step 4: Serve
Once cooked, the Goan Style Frango Vera is ready to be served. The chicken will be beautifully roasted with a golden-brown exterior and flavorful, tender meat inside. For a complete Goan meal, serve these drumsticks alongside a Goan Fish Curry and Steamed Rice. The combination will take your taste buds on a delightful journey through the coastal flavors of Goa.
Tips for the Perfect Goan Style Frango Vera
- Adjust Spice Level: The number of dry red chillies used can be adjusted based on your preferred spice level. For a milder version, reduce the chillies.
- Rest the Chicken: Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour (or longer) will help the flavors penetrate the meat better, making the chicken more flavorful.
- Slow Cooking: To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, it’s essential to cook on low heat. Slow cooking ensures the chicken is juicy inside while getting that crispy, roasted texture on the outside.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and tamarind paste will provide a deeper, more authentic flavor to the Recheado masala.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Conclusion
The Goan Style Frango Vera recipe is a perfect blend of aromatic spices, juicy chicken, and bold flavors that represent the essence of Goan cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a flavorful appetizer or want to serve it as part of a festive meal, this dish is sure to impress. Its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make it a great recipe for both beginners and seasoned cooks. So, roll up your sleeves, and bring the taste of Goa right into your kitchen!
