Goa’s Favourite Coconut Dish
Xacuti (pronounced "sha-coo-ti") is a popular dish at various Goan celebrations, and is prepared with aromatic coconut as its base. It blends very well with chicken, but also forms an excellent base for mutton, beef or lamb, as well as mixed vegetables, mushrooms, pulses and chickpeas. Crabs, prawns and mussels also work well with this curry paste. Ingredients including poppy seeds, coriander, chillies and nutmeg are blended by a complex process. The meats/vegetables/seafood are marinated with the roasted spice paste and cooked in grated coconut/coconut milk and tomato puree resulting in a thick gravy with a rich, distinctive and delicious flavour. Often described as a ‘warmth-giving’ meal, Xacuti goes well with bread, puris, rotis, parathas and rice. Remember, more packs with you means more happy people near you!!.
