In these times, I try to seek nostalgia in whatever way I can. When it comes to food, I just couldn’t stop myself for trying out something so close to me. I have been rooting for this recipe for weeks but procrastination got to me as always! I finally got my wish fulfilled when I figured I had a Sunday free to myself and just the right ingredients to make this wholesome dish for lunch today! 🤤🤤

Xacuti reminds me of the best 16 years of childhood I have spent in Goa! Those elementary school days when we had our cooking classes every week, this was our absolute favorite out of the recipe lot. So here goes, I share the recipe closest to my heart:

Before going further into this, have a look at my blogger pal’s post: Xacuti Spice mix masala Prepare this spice mix and keep aside!

 

Ingredients:

  • Cauliflower florets
  • Capsicum
  • Carrot
  • Onion and Tomato (for puree)
  • Oil
  • Grated fresh coconut
  • Xacuti Spice mix masala
  • Salt -to taste
  • Turmeric and Chili Powder (as needed)
  • Coconut milk or cream (Optional)

 

Method of Preparation: In a pan, add oil and grated coconut, onion and tomato and fry it till the colour changes. After it has cooled a bit, transfer the contents in a mixer and grind it to a paste. Add the Xacuti Spice mix masala to it and mix the puree well and keep aside. In a pan again, add the vegetables (Carrots, capsicum, cauliflower florets) and saute it well till it is al dente. Keep it aside after it is done.

In a deep dish pan, heat oil and add the puree mix and the fried vegetables. Add turmeric and chilli powder as needed. As an option, you can add coconut milk or cream to thicken the curry. Keep cooking it for a while till it comes to boil, add salt to taste. Take it off the fire after the vegetables in the curry are just cooked to perfection.

This dish is very versatile, you can serve it with flat bread, roti, puri or rice for breakfast, lunch or snacks!

 

Tips: 1. There is a long list of spices in the Xacuti Spice masala, you may skip a few of them if you can’t find them on your spice rack, but make sure you can make it as close as possible and work your proportions well to get the best flavour and texture in your dish!

2. Xacuti can be prepared with various combinations so you can always use any vegetables that are conveniently available. Chicken and Mushroom Xacuti are infact the most popular dishes in Goa so you can try that version too if you have the right ingredients! (I am a vegetarian, so I preferred to use vegetables as a substitute, also I actually love mushroom xacuti, but i couldn’t find mushroom in this season of lockdown!