Caril de Frango

caril_de_frango

Portuguese cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and unique combinations of ingredients, creating some of the most delicious dishes in the world. A particular dish that is loved across the country is the Caril de Frango, a chicken curry dish that has evolved over the centuries with the influence of the Portuguese colonial era in India.

Caril de Frango, also known as chicken curry, is a simple yet flavorful dish that is easy to make, and it can be customized with different spices and ingredients. The dish is a classic example of how Portuguese cuisine has been influenced by different cultures and cuisine traditions.

Traditionally, the Portuguese brought spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, and turmeric to India. These spices were used in Indian cuisine for centuries, and later the Portuguese started incorporating them into their own cuisine, creating a fusion of both Indian and Portuguese spices.

The Portuguese version of this popular dish is milder than the typical Indian hot and spicy curries, and often contains coconut milk, tomatoes, and onion. This creamy and mildly spicy curry is served with rice or bread, making it an ideal choice for a hearty and satisfying meal.

To make this dish, you will need a few simple ingredients that can be easily found at any grocery store. Boneless chicken, coconut milk, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato, curry powder, salt, and cilantro are the main ingredients required.

The first step to making this dish is to marinate the chicken with curry powder, salt, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes. After marination, the chicken is sautéed in a pan with onion and tomato, and then the coconut milk is added, simmered until the chicken is cooked.

Once the chicken is cooked, the dish is garnished with fresh cilantro, giving it a fragrant and fresh flavor. The Caril de Frango can be served with rice, bread, or even with some mouth-watering Portuguese fries.

There are various regional variations of this dish in Portugal, with some using different spices and ingredients, such as saffron, cardamom, and potatoes. Each region has its own unique twist on the dish, making it a meal that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

In conclusion, the Caril de Frango is a delicious and ever-popular dish that is simple to prepare, yet full of flavor. The dish is a perfect example of Portuguese cuisine influenced by Indian flavors, creating a fusion of the two cultures. Try making this dish at home, and you will experience the mouth-watering flavors of Portugal with a twist of India.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons of curry powder
  • 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 can of coconut milk
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • Cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.

  3. In the same pan, add the onion and sauté until softened.

  4. Add the garlic, ginger, curry powder, cumin, and bay leaves. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  5. Add the diced tomatoes and coconut milk to the pan.

  6. Add the potatoes and red bell pepper, stir and bring to a boil.

  7. Add the chicken, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.

  8. Remove the bay leaves and garnish with cilantro.

  9. Serve with rice or bread. Enjoy your Portuguese Caril de Frango!