Recipe: The Fiery Red Paste That Makes Every Seafood Dish Unforgettable
30 mins
Cooking Time
Easy
Difficulty
13
Ingredients
Vegan
Diet
Goan recheado masala recipe is one of those pastes which will take you to the sun-soaked coast of Goa in a moment. This classic paste is deep red, fiery and contains layers of tang and spice, and it is a staple in Goan Catholic kitchens, having been used for generations. It uses Kashmiri red chillies, vinegar, garlic, and some whole spices and is a recipe to make the kitchen smell like heaven.
The Portuguese term “recheado” means “stuffed”, which gives you a good idea of how this masala is traditionally used. It's loaded into whole fish such as mackerel or pomfret, which are then shallow fried so that the outside becomes crispy and the masala is well caramelised. The recheado masala recipe can also be used as a marinade for prawns, crab and even chicken, which makes it a versatile masala.
The key to this paste is the balance of ingredients, whether it be the heat from the chillies, the sharpness of the vinegar, the earthiness of the whole spices, or the sugar for sweetness. The great thing is that it is easy to make at home. It gets prepared with some everyday pantry essentials in just under 30 minutes. Transfer the recheado masala to an airtight jar and freeze. It stays fresh for up to a month. After you have one of these in your freezer, you will be looking to use it again and again.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
20Kashmiri red chilies (cut into 2–3 pieces
3 tablespoonsGoan toddy vinegar or white vinegar
SmallTamarind (lemon-sized ball)
8Garlic cloves
1 inchGinger
1 mediumOnion
2Cloves
5Peppercorns
½ inchCinnamon
½ teaspoonCumin
½ teaspoonTurmeric
2 teaspoonsSugar
1 teaspoonSalt
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Step 1: Prep the Kashmiri chilies
Remove the stems from the Kashmiri red chilies and slit them open. Shake out and discard the seeds if you want a milder paste or keep the seeds to make it hotter. Cut each chilli into 2–3 smaller pieces so they soak and blend more easily. Place the chilli pieces in a bowl and pour hot water over them. Let them soak for 15 minutes until they are soft l. Drain water completely before using.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Roast the onion
Peel the outer papery layer off the onion but leave it mostly whole. Skewer it on a fork or hold it with tongs and roast it directly over an open gas flame. Keep rotating it every 30 seconds so all sides char evenly. This usually takes 8–10 minutes. Once done, set it aside to cool completely. Peel away all the charred skin, trim the root end, and cut the onion into quarters.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Grind the masala
Add the soaked and drained red chillies, roasted onion quarters, garlic cloves, ginger, tamarind, cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, sugar, and salt. Add 2–3 tablespoons of vinegar and a small splash of water to help the blending. Blend until you get a smooth, thick, deep-red paste.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Taste and adjust
Taste the freshly ground masala. Recheado masala is defined by its balance of heat, tang, and a slight sweetness. If it tastes too sharp, add a little more sugar. If it needs more tang, add a splash of vinegar. Add a pinch more salt if it tastes flat. Blend again briefly after each adjustment.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Store the masala
Spoon the finished masala into a clean, dry airtight glass jar. Smooth the surface and optionally add a thin layer of oil on top to keep it fresh longer. Seal and refrigerate or freeze for up to a month.
Goan recheado masala recipe is a spicy, tangy red paste made with Kashmiri chillies, vinegar, and spices. It is used to stuff, marinate seafood before cooking.
Yes, simply increase the quantity of vinegar slightly. The vinegar provides enough tanginess to balance the heat.
To reduce the heat, deseed the Kashmiri red chilies before soaking and reduce the quantity of peppercorns. These two simple tweaks give you a milder paste.
Absolutely yes. It works wonderfully as a marinade for chicken, pork, mutton and much more.