The food of paradise

Rechad Mackerel

Le Sarah Family Restaurant,Wanowri

You can’t think ‘Goa’ without thinking of fried fish. Rechad Mackerel,coming from the word ‘rechaedo’,which means ‘stuffed’ in Portuguese,is one of the most popular fried fish dishes to come out of Goa. “Fillets of mackerel are stuffed with rechad masala and fried,” says John Barretto at Le Sarah. Rechad masala consists of a variety of spices,ginger,garlic,chillies and vinegar,among other ingredients,blended together to form a paste. The fish is basted and stuffed with the marinade,after which it is shallow-fried to perfection. Served with a squeeze of lemon,this dish is a slice of heaven for fish lovers everywhere.

Vindaloo

Masemari,Tilak Road

Although Masemari is primarily a seafood restaurant,its delectable vindaloo is a fine example of the fact that Goan food is not necessarily partial to fish. Vindaloo is a spicy curry that goes brilliantly with steamed rice and chapati alike. Although traditionally made with pork as per its original Portuguese recipe,vindaloo has been altered to accommodate chicken and lamb with delicious results. Pieces of chicken or lamb are marinated in paste consisting of chillies,mustard seeds,garlic,cumin,turmeric and vinegar. They are then cooked in stock for a about 20 minutes,thus forming the curry. “Dishes that are of Portuguese origin,are usually made with a vinegar base to add the element of bitterness” says Lalan Sarang,renowned Marathi actress and owner of Masemari.

Prawn Balchao

Flags,Camp

This is yet another fiery delicacy to come from the sunny coasts of Goa. Fresh prawns are tossed and fried with a mixture of spices,green chillies,garlic,ginger,curry leaves and onions till they sizzle. “Prawn Balchao is more of a pickle than a curry,” says Jatin Nangia,manager of Flags. Introduced to Goa by the Portuguese,Balchao is a favourite with the locals. Served hot with rice or rotis,its sure to add the perfect amount of spice to your meal.

Goan Fish Curry

Soho Restaurant,Ramwadi

This spicy tangy fish curry is the essence of the Goan cuisine – one cannot imagine Goans without their Fish Curry. The recipe involves cooking the fish in a rich creamy coconut-based gravy and and is often topped with coriander leaves. Almost the staple dish of an average Goan home,this dish has also got Puneites hooked to it. “It is one of the most popular dishes of our restaurant,” says Batul,Manager,Soho Restaurant.

Chicken Xacuti

Mezza9,Hinjewadi

Savour the tantalising taste of hot chicken sautéed in coconut and garlic gravy with this popular Goan delicacy. A hint of pepper spice makes this indulgence an absolute bliss for an avid chicken lover. Served with steaming hot rice or rotis,this mouth watering Goan delight is a melange of spices. “It is a very popular dish amongst guests. The roasting of the spices makes it a very warm and comforting dish,” says Babu,Supervisor at Mezza9. The Goan delicacy has also got not just Indian but also foreigners hooked to it. “Many foreigners prefer this dish. Although it is spicy,but they swear by it,” adds Babu. With such a heavenly taste,Chicken Xacuti is surely a treat for the culinary buds.