Authentic goan chicken cafreal
Chicken cafreal is among one of the Goan dishes with Portuguese connections and influences. This well-known Goan dish was introduced by the Portuguese as well as by the African soldiers who were serving under Portuguese when Goa was under Portuguese rule. It is believed that this dish originated from the Portuguese colonies in Africa, most likely in Mozambique. The dish derived its name from the word ‘Cafre’ which was the designation of the inhabitants of Cafraria. Chicken cafreal may be viewed as a dish similar to chicken piri-piri as it has adopted its cooking styles from Chicken piri piri. The interesting thing to know is that, unlike the fact that chicken piri-piri and chicken cafreal designate the same dish all over the world, they are considered to be two different dishes in Goa.
Ingredients
1 bunch Coriander leaves with stem
2 inch-Ginger, peeled
8-10 Garlic cloves
3-4 Green Chillies
½ tsp Cumin seeds
½ tsp Black Peppercorns
1 inch-Cinnamon Stick
2 tbsp Vinegar/Goan Vinegar
½ tsp Fennel seeds
Salt to taste
½ Turmeric powder
½ Lime juice
2 tbsp Oil
750 gm Chicken on bone, curry cut
1 small Onion, thinly sliced
Lime wedge
Process
● lScore the chicken (use a sharp knife to make to make parallel and shallow cuts through the chicken)
● In a grinding jar, add coriander leaves with stem, ginger, garlic, green chillies, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cinnamon stick, vinegar, and fennel seeds, grind it to a smooth semi thick paste.
● Once the paste is ready add salt, turmeric and lime juice.
● Marinate the chicken with the masala and keep for 1 hour.
● Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan.
● Add the marinated chicken (don’t overcrowd the pan) and cook it for 7-8 minutes each side or until cooked through.
● Garnish with onion and lime wedge.
● Serve hot with Poey/pav.
My Experience
I am staying in goa for last 18years but i never tasted the authentic goan chicken cafreal. I heard alot about the goan chicken cafreal and i wanted to taste it for a very long time, so i decided to make chicken cafreal at home. My aunt helped me in preparing the chicken cafreal , i was very excited as i was preparing and tasting it for the first time. The aroma of the green cafreal masala and the spiceses took me for a ride in goa and goan cuisines, the green colour in the chicken was representing the greenery of goa. It was looking very tasty, i ate it with a goan poey the goan poey was very soft n round, the first bite when i hd put in my mouth i was just lost in it. It was very delicious the heat from the chili's the spiceses, the tangy flavours from the lemon juice,the green colour from coriander and the mint taste was just amazing. Before i didn't like spicy food but after after eating goan chicken cafreal i fell in love with spicy food. The chicken was crispy, juicy and tandar. The goan poey was going really well with the chicken cafreal. I was literally crying after having the chicken cafreal as it was very spicy but palatable. It can also be made without coriander leaves. When everybody at home ate the chicken cafreal a sweet smile came on everyone's face. I would love to try it again next time. It was a great experience.
ANITA NAYAK
2203205
