The coastal State of Goa is a popular tourist destination known for the sun, sand, beach and good food. Hindus, Muslims and Christians are the three major communities of Goa that contribute to its culinary culture. The Goan food indeed is a contrasting influence of its rich history and legacy that is mainly inspired by Indian and Portuguese influences with an exciting blend of the East and the west. Let’s look into Goan cuisine to know about the fun-loving land.
Also try: Indian Food Recipes: Fish Recheado
Caldeirada – The Goan fish stew
A fisherman’s stew “Caldeirada” is a Portuguese-inspired Goan fish stew made with a wide variety of fish and potatoes. It is believed that the dish was created by the fishermen as a full meal after a long day at the sea. It is generally a family favourite that is relished by dipping the crusty bread in the delicious broth.
Ingredients
Serves 6 persons
Deveined prawns: 500 gms
Mackerel: 4 cuts into medium-sized pieces
Onion rings: 2
Tomato roundels: 3
Bell pepper rings: 2
Potato roundels: 2
Garlic clove: 7 to 8
Thinly sliced green chilli: 2
Bay leaf: 1
Peppercorn: 10 to 12
Saffron: a pinch
Dry white wine: 1 cup
Oil: 5 tsp
Salt to taste
Step 1
Wash the fish and add a little salt.
Step 2
In a thick bottom, deep wide pan adds 2 to 3 tsp of oil so that the surface of the pan is covered with it. Arrange a layer of thick onion rings in the bottom with a sprinkle of salt.
Step 3
Next place the seasoned potato rings followed by a layer of tomatoes. Finally, add the bell pepper along with garlic, slit green chilli and mackerel.
Step 4
Repeat the same process of layering with onion, potatoes, and tomato and finishing with the prawns.
Step 5
Top the layer with bay leaf, peppercorn, saffron, white wine, salt, oil, coriander leaves and about half a cup of water.
Step 6
Cover the pan and cook on low heat for about half an hour. Do not stir the stew, just swirl the pan. Once the potato is soft, it’s done.
Step 7
Serve with crusty bread or plain steamed rice.
