Chicken Vindaloo recipe and its origin in Goan cuisine

Chicken Vindaloo is a spicy and tangy Indian curry that has gained immense popularity all over the world for its unique blend of flavors. It is a traditional Goan dish that has its origins in the Portuguese colonial period. The word “vindaloo” is derived from the Portuguese word “vinho de alho,” which means “wine and garlic.”

The dish is a result of the cultural fusion between Portuguese and Indian cuisine, where the Portuguese brought in their wine, vinegar, and garlic, while the Indian spices and chili peppers were added to the mix. Originally, Vindaloo was made with pork, but chicken and other meats are now used as well.

The dish has cultural significance in Goan cuisine and is often served on special occasions like weddings, Christmas, and Easter. It is also a popular dish in Indian restaurants worldwide and has become a staple of Indian cuisine. Its fiery and tangy flavor makes it a perfect accompaniment to rice, bread, or even noodles.

Ingredients Required

• 2 Packets of Zorabian Chicken Cubes (500 gms each)
• Six red Goan chillies soaked in water for at least a couple of hours
• Garlic and Ginger chopped – 2 teaspoons each
• Cumin seeds- 2 tablespoons
• Coriander Seeds – 1 tablespoon
• Oil – 3 tablespoons
• Turmeric powder – 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon Stick – ½ inch
• Green Cardamom – 3 
• Cloves – 3
• Salt to Taste
• White Vinegar – 2 tablespoons
• Jaggery Powder
• Onions – sliced

You first need to grind the ginger garlic, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cinnamon stick, cardamom, and cloves into a smooth fine paste along with the chillies. You may also dry roast the masala before grinding them together with the ginger and garlic. Once the paste is ready, you can choose to marinate the chicken with the masala. In this case, we suggest you go with the boneless chicken, and you can get the best quality from Zorabian Foods. We have the most quality rich chicken in a very affordable price range. We will deliver to you at your doorstep without any hassles. Next, you need to heat some oil on the pan and then add the marinated chicken.

Let the chicken simmer in the pan and then slightly increase the heat to get a fried texture. Once you notice that the chicken is getting a brown colour on the top and has a sizzling coating, you can add the onions along with the white vinegar. The vinegar will give a tangy taste to the dish, which is a specific vindaloo taste. Next, put a cover on the chicken and let it simmer on medium heat for another few minutes until it is soft. After some time, take the lid out, add some jaggery powder, and you are good to go. You can also choose to add some coriander leaves before finishing the dish. Buy fresh chicken online prepare your dish quickly and enjoy a delicious meal.

Variations of Chicken Vindaloo:

Here are some variations of Chicken Vindaloo that are common in Goan cuisine:

1. Chicken Vindaloo with Potatoes: This variation includes the addition of boiled potatoes to the dish. The chicken and potatoes cook together and absorb the spicy and tangy flavours of the vindaloo sauce, resulting in a version of Chicken Vindaloo known as “Aloo Vindaloo.”
2. Pork Vindaloo: Pork is a popular meat in Goa, and this variation of Chicken Vindaloo replaces the chicken with pork. The rest of the recipe remains the same, with the spicy and tangy vindaloo sauce coating the tender pork.
3. Fish Vindaloo: To create Fish Vindaloo, marinate any firm-fleshed fish such as tuna, salmon, or swordfish in the vindaloo sauce and then cook it in the same sauce. This results in a flavorful and spicy fish curry which is another variation of Chicken Vindaloo.
4. Vegetarian Vindaloo: Vegetarians can also enjoy this spicy dish with a few variations. Instead of chicken or meat, you can use vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, or paneer (Indian cottage cheese). People also know this version of Vindaloo as “Aloo Gobi Vindaloo” or “Paneer Vindaloo.”
5. Prawn Vindaloo: Prawns are popular seafood in Goa, and this variation replaces chicken with prawns. Marinate the prawns in the vindaloo sauce and then cook them in the same sauce, resulting in a delicious and spicy prawn curry.

These are just a few variations of Chicken Vindaloo that are common in Goan cuisine. The dish is very versatile, and you can customize it to suit your taste by adjusting the spices or adding different vegetables or meats.

Serving suggestions:

Chicken Vindaloo is a popular dish from the coastal state of Goa in India. It’s a spicy, tangy, and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some of the best ways to serve Chicken Vindaloo:

1. Basmati rice: Serve the Chicken Vindaloo with steamed basmati rice, which has a delicate flavour and fluffy texture that complements the spicy curry.
2. Naan bread: Freshly baked naan bread is a popular choice to accompany Chicken Vindaloo. The soft and chewy texture of naan is perfect for scooping up the curry and adding a contrast of flavours.
3. Roti or Chapati: These are unleavened flatbreads that are popular in India and go well with spicy curries. Make parathas with whole wheat or all-purpose flour and cook them on a griddle.
4. Papad: People make papad, a crispy thin disc-shaped Indian snack, from lentils, chickpeas, or rice flour. It’s a great accompaniment to Chicken Vindaloo, adding a crunchy texture to the meal.
5. Raita: Raita is a yoghurt-based condiment that can help to cool down the heat from the spicy curry. People typically make it with diced cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes and add flavour with cumin powder, coriander leaves, and salt.
6. Salad: Salad complements spicy Chicken Vindaloo.
7. Pickles: Indian pickles made with mangoes, lemons, or mixed vegetables can add a tangy and spicy element to the meal.

Pair Chicken Vindaloo with traditional Goan sides for balance.

Cultural significance:

Chicken Vindaloo is a beloved and iconic dish in Goan cuisine, and it holds significant cultural significance in the region. Goa’s rich history blends Portuguese colonization and Indian culture.

Goan cooks adapted “carne de vinha d’alhos” with local ingredients, creating Chicken Vindaloo. The result is a tangy and spicy curry that has become a staple in Goan cuisine.

People often serve Chicken Vindaloo during special occasions and festivals in Goa, such as Christmas, Easter, and weddings. It’s a popular Christmas and Easter dish, allowed during fasting periods that prohibit beef and pork. The dish is also a popular choice for weddings because it’s flavorful and spicy, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Chicken Vindaloo is a cultural staple and popular worldwide due to its unique fusion of Portuguese and Indian flavours.

Final Note:

The Chicken Vindaloo recipe using Zorabian Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that everyone should try. The recipe blends tender chicken with a flavorful sauce of vinegar, ginger, garlic, and spices.

Readers should try this recipe themselves using Zorabian Chicken for a more flavorful and tender dish. Order chicken online from Zorabian in just a few clicks. People often serve it, and the recipe is simple, making it easy to adjust to suit personal taste preferences.

For those interested in learning more about Goan cuisine, there are several resources available. Explore cookbooks or visit a Goan restaurant to experience traditional Goan cuisine. Try Zorabian Chicken with Chicken Vindaloo for rich Goan flavors and meal variety.