Goan · serves 2

Chicken Xacuti

Goan, coconut-heavy, with a spice list that reads like a shopping trip. Worth doing once properly.

55 min A proper cook Non-vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 700g chicken
  • 1.5 cups grated coconut
  • 8 dried kashmiri chillies
  • 2 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tbsp poppy seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp fennel
  • 6 peppercorns
  • 4 cloves, 1 inch cinnamon
  • 1 star anise
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 2 onions
  • 1 tbsp tamarind pulp
  • 4 tbsp oil

Method

  1. Dry roast the coconut on low until deep golden brown, stirring constantly. This takes 10 minutes and cannot be rushed — it's the backbone of the dish.
  2. Roast all the whole spices separately until fragrant.
  3. Grind coconut and spices with water into a very smooth paste.
  4. Fry the onions till golden, add the chicken and sear.
  5. Ground paste in, fry 5 minutes, then 2 cups hot water, tamarind and salt.
  6. Simmer 30 minutes. Thick, dark and clinging. Pao or rice.

Questions people ask about Chicken Xacuti

How long does Chicken Xacuti take?

About 55 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a proper cook. A good part of that is unattended, so you can get on with something else once it is going.

What is the one thing to get right in Chicken Xacuti?

Dry roast the coconut on low until deep golden brown, stirring constantly. This takes 10 minutes and cannot be rushed — it's the backbone of the dish.

What can I use instead of chicken in Chicken Xacuti?

Use paneer, firm tofu or mushrooms. All three cook far faster than chicken, so add them in the last 5 minutes rather than at the start.

Can I make Chicken Xacuti ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently. It keeps two days in the fridge, though it is best on the day.

Can I make Chicken Xacuti vegetarian?

Yes. Replace the chicken with paneer, firm tofu, mushrooms or soya chunks. All of them cook far faster than meat, so add them in the last five minutes rather than at the start, and keep the masala exactly as written.

What do you serve with Chicken Xacuti?

Pao or rice. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

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