Vindaloo Curry

Name: Vindaloo Curry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs pork shoulder, cubed; 1/2 cup white vinegar; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 large onions, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2-inch piece of ginger, grated; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp ground turmeric; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 1 tsp mustard seeds; 8-10 dried red chili peppers; 1 cup water; Salt to taste; Cilantro for garnish

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 4

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Vindaloo Curry is a fiery, flavorful dish that hails from the coastal state of Goa in India. Known for its bold spices and tender pork, this dish is perfect for those who love a bit of heat and depth in their meals.

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Ingredients for Vindaloo Curry

Let's break down why each ingredient is crucial for this dish. The star, of course, is the pork shoulder, providing a tender and juicy bite. It absorbs the flavors beautifully. White vinegar adds tanginess and helps tenderize the pork. Vegetable oil is the cooking medium that enhances the spices' flavors. Onions form the base, adding sweetness when caramelized.

Garlic and ginger are the backbone of Indian cooking, bringing depth and warmth. The spice mix — ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves — adds layers of flavor and aroma. Mustard seeds are used for their nutty, pungent flavor, while dried red chili peppers bring the heat that vindaloo is known for. Finally, cilantro is used as a fresh garnish, balancing the dish's richness.

Tips & Tricks

If you're short on time, use a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process.
Control the heat by adjusting the number of chili peppers to your preference.
Let the curry cool and rest for a few hours or overnight for a deeper, richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Vindaloo Curry with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. A side of cucumber raita can help cool down the heat if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?: Absolutely! Chicken or beef can also work well in this recipe.
How can I make it less spicy?: Reduce the number of chili peppers or omit them entirely for a milder version.
Is there a vegetarian version?: Yes! Swap pork with potatoes and cauliflower for a hearty vegetarian option.

Vindaloo Curry Recipe Walkthrough

Start by marinating the pork in a mixture of vinegar and salt. This step is key to tenderizing the meat and infusing it with flavor. Aim to let it sit for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal for deeper taste.

When you're ready to cook, heat up the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and watch as they start to crackle. This is when they release their flavors.

Next, toss in the onions and sauté them until they turn a lovely golden brown. This process takes some time but adds sweetness to the dish. Then, stir in the garlic and ginger until they're fragrant. It should only take a minute or so.

Now, it's time to add the spice mix. Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, and crushed chili peppers. Cook these spices for about 2 minutes to bloom their flavors.

Add the marinated pork to the pot, ensuring that you brown the pieces on all sides. This step seals in the juices and adds a nice color.

Pour in the water, cover the pot, and let it simmer. This gentle cooking will make the pork tender over the next hour. Check occasionally, and give it a stir.

Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt. Serve garnished with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Authentic taste with a kick of heat.
Rich, aromatic flavors from a blend of spices.
Perfect for making ahead and even tastier the next day.
Simple ingredients with a rewarding result.

Ingredients

2 lbs pork shoulder, cubed

1/2 cup white vinegar

2 tbsp vegetable oil

2 large onions, finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

2-inch piece of ginger, grated

2 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground turmeric

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp mustard seeds

8-10 dried red chili peppers

1 cup water

Salt to taste

Cilantro for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the pork with vinegar and salt. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.

3. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.

4. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.

5. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, and crushed chili peppers. Cook for 2 minutes.

6. Add marinated pork to the pot and brown on all sides.

7. Pour in the water, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until the pork is tender.

8. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed and garnish with cilantro before serving.

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