Xacuti is a flavorful and spicy Goan curry made with roasted spices and is often prepared with chicken or lamb. A step-by-step guide on how to make Chicken Xacuti:
Ingredients:
For the Xacuti Masala:
- 1/4 cup grated coconut
- 8-10 dry red chilies (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1-inch piece of cinnamon
- 4-5 cloves
- 6-8 black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
For the Xacuti Curry:
- 500 grams of chicken (or lamb), cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Xacuti Masala:
Roasting the Spices Step:
- In a dry pan, roast the grated coconut, dry red chilies, cinnamon, cloves, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds over low heat until they release a fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn them.
Grinding the Masala Step:
- Allow the roasted spices to cool, and then grind them into a fine paste using a little water. This paste is your Xacuti masala.
2. Cook the Xacuti Curry:
Sauté Onion Step:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
Add the Xacuti Masala Step:
- Add the ground Xacuti masala paste to the pan and cook it for a few minutes until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
Tomatoes and Meat Step:
- Add the finely chopped tomato and continue to cook until it turns soft.
- Now, add the chicken (or lamb) pieces and sauté for a few minutes until they start to brown.
Turmeric and Water Step:
- Stir in the turmeric powder and add 1/2 cup of water. Mix well and bring the curry to a simmer.
Simmer and Cook Step:
- Cover the pan and let the curry simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and tender. Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Salt and Garnish Step:
- Season the Xacuti with salt to taste and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
3. Serve:
- Serve the Chicken Xacuti hot with steamed rice or traditional Goan bread like poee.
Xacuti is a spicy and aromatic Goan curry known for its rich and complex flavors. Adjust the level of spiciness to your preference by using fewer or more chilies. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Xacuti!