This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.
The cuisine of Goa, a former Portuguese colony, is an exuberant amalgam of Portugal and India. Liberal use of Portuguese vinegar, along with hot chiles (an import from the New World) and spices, produces the scarlet-hued vindaloo curries typical of this state.
The following outstanding Goan seafood curry — a milder variation of vindaloo, and with lime juice replacing the vinegar — features clams steamed with sautéed onion, spices, and fresh coconut milk. They are then tossed with grated coconut, cilantro, and a squirt of lime juice and are generally accompanied by a pao, a soft, warm roll (another Portuguese contribution) for sopping up the juices. This dish is equally good with mussels or oysters.
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 4 as a first course
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Finely chop onion and scrub clams In a 5- to 6-quart heavy kettle heat oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking and cook onion and gingerroot, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Add spices and salt and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add coconut milk and bring to a gentle boil. Add clams and boil mixture gently, covered, stirring occasionally, until clams are opened, 6 to 8 minutes. (Discard any unopened clams.)
Step 2
Serve clams in bowls with cooking liquid and sprinkle with lime juice, cilantro, and grated coconut.
