Goan Cafreal Paste Recipe
Cafreal Paste Recipe – This gorgeous green Goan Cafreal Masala or Paste has established a place of importance in Goan cuisine. However, it has over the years, borrowed from several cultures, both native and western.
Cafreal Masala is supposed to have originated from the Portuguese colonies in the African continent. It was introduced into the Goan cuisine by the Portuguese as they settled in Goa.
In her book, The Flavours of Nationalism: Recipes for Love, Hate and Friendship, human-rights lawyer, Nandita Haksar, highlights the Portuguese-influence on the Goan dish and its lesser-known connection to Africa.
Origins of word Cafreal in Cafreal Paste
As per Nandita Haskar, Cafreal is but a spicier version of a dish called Galinha (Frango) Piri-piri from Mozambique. It was brought to Goa by the African soldiers/slaves serving the Portuguese.
The Portuguese are said to have tweaked it before it could reach the sandy shores of Goa a few hundred years ago. In fact, articles also trace the term “cafreal” to the word, “kafir,” a term used by the Portuguese while referring to Africans.
Cafreal Paste Recipe, Delicious Goan Cafreal Paste Indulgence
Cafreal Masala recipe is a really classic Goan curry paste recipe. It is one of the so few dishes made in India with a lovely green curry paste. The paste is a wonderful blend of aromatic spices that I am almost sure that your senses will jump with excitement whenever you use it.
Usually, cafreal paste is used to make Chicken Cafreal in Goa. However, you can also use it for vegetables like cauliflower, mushrooms, paneer or tofu, and even potatoes. There is no limit to how creative you can get with it.
Chicken cafreal is ready
Notes: I am told that most Goan curry pastes use coconut vinegar and that can be difficult to come by unless you are in Goa or in another coastal state. Consequently, I used white wine vinegar in the recipe since it was easier to find.
In case it doesn’t suit you substitute it with tamarind pulp or even lime juice. You can also add a few tablespoons of white rum to the paste, but that is very optional.
Check out the recipe of the paste below while the recipe for chicken cafreal is here.
Cafreal Paste Recipe, Homemade Goan Cafreal Masala Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Fresh Coriander
- 1.5 Inch Ginger
- 10 Piece Garlic
- 10 Piece Green Chilies
- 6 Piece Cardamom
- 2 Inch Cinnamon
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Cumin Powder
- 2 Tablespoon White Wine Vinegar
- 1 Teaspoon Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- First of all, get all ingredients together.
- Add everything to the blender and make a fine paste.
- Check seasoning. Correct if needed.
- Cafreal paste is ready for your curries. Enjoy!
Notes
- Do not use water in this recipe.
- To store the masala or paste for a longer time, make sure that the mixer and the storage container are dry.
- Use fresh ingredients that have been thoroughly cleaned and dried.
Homemade Gorgeous Goan Cafreal Paste
Goan cafreal paste for curries
FINALLY, TO SUM IT UP
Goan cafreal paste for curries
Cafreal paste recipe is a really classic Goan curry paste recipe. It is one of the so few dishes made in India with a lovely green curry paste. The paste is a wonderful blend of aromatic spices that I am almost sure that your senses will jump with excitement whenever you use it.
STAY CONNECTED
If you like this article, you can let us know in the comments below or on social media using #gosumitup and tag me @gosumitup. I am always happy to read your feedback and if you liked the dish or if you made the dish. :)
Better still, take a picture and post it on Instagram and tag us as #gosumitup
Connect direct – You can also connect with me directly on my Instagram and Facebook or on Pinterest.
And, keep visiting us for more of such awesomeness. Do bookmark gosumitup.com into your web browser now or simply subscribe to our browser notifications.