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Chicken cafreal with red onion.

Chicken Cafreal

This chicken cafreal is a flavorful dish that originates from Goa, India and is known for its zesty green marinade. The combination of fresh herbs, whole spices, and tangy lime juice makes it a perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a burst of flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 297 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 Skinless Chicken Legs
  • 40 g Cilantro
  • 10 g Chillies
  • 12 g Ginger
  • 13 g Garlic
  • 2 tsp Lime Juice
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ¼ tsp Turmeric

Whole Spices

  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 5 Cloves
  • 1 tsp Black Peppercorns
  • 1- inch Cinnamon Stick
  • 1 Bay Leaf

Instructions
 

Prepare the Spice Mix:

  • In a large skillet, toast the cinnamon stick, bay leaf, cloves, black peppercorns, and cumin seeds until they begin to release their oil. Transfer the toasted spices to a spice grinder or a small blender. Grind them into a fine powder, then transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Make the Cafreal Paste:

  • In a small blender add he bowl of ground spices, add cilantro, chillies, ginger, garlic, turmeric, salt, and lime juice. Add 2 tablespoons of water to help blend the mixture into a smooth paste.

Marinate the Chicken:

  • In a large bowl, combine the chicken legs with the cafreal paste, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and marinate overnight in the refrigerator for the best flavor.

Cook the Chicken:

  • Remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
  • Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken legs, searing each side before lowering the heat. Cover the pan and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Serve the Chicken Cafreal garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 297kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 23gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 122mgSodium: 202mgPotassium: 399mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 835IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Chicken Cafreal
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