Among the many culinary treasures
the Portuguese have left behind in Goa, the choriz sausage is perhaps the most
popular, especially in the Catholic community. The chorizo sausages can be
found in other places as well, particularly in the Iberian peninsula. However,
the Goan sausage retains its own unique identity.
The Portuguese influence
These spicy sausages are quite
common in the Iberian peninsula, in both Spain, Portugal and nearby areas. They
are available fresh, fermented, cured or smoked. In these areas the chorizo
sausage is very popular, often grilled, fried or eaten with something
alcoholic. In Spain Chorizo are sweet or spicy. The leaner chorizos are often
eaten as starters in tapas, while the fatter version is used in cooking. When
added to other dishes, the chorizo imparts its own unique spicy flavour. It is
often used as a substitute for meat. Apart front the Iberian peninsula,
chorizos are also eaten in Mexico.
Chorizo in Goa
Like its counterpart elsewhere,
the chorizo in Goa is also made with pork meat. There are many similarities,
including its spicy nature. However, the Goan sausage is much spicier, almost
too much so for the Western palate. Unlike many of the cured and smoked
sausages of Spain and Portugal, most Goan sausages have to be cooked before
eating.
These sausages are made of pork, vinegar, ginger, garlic, chilli and other spices. Many sausages do come
cured, however, most os them do have to be cooked before eating. You can also
get skin sausages that use pork skin for casing. But they are quite rare to
find. Chorizos in Goa are sold according to their spicy factor –– mild, medium and hot. Other variations include lean
and fat, dry and wet.
Chorizo dishes
There are almost unlimited ways of
cooking chorizo. It is cooked not just in homes, but is also one of Goa’s best street food items. Served with just pao with
its juices dripping, it is a quick and delicious fast food. They are sometimes
used as substitute in gravies like vindaloo and Feijoada. These flavourful
sausages also form a handy stuffing for a pig roast. Another ever-favourite is
the sausage pulao.
So take your pic and enjoy the
fiery flavours of Goa!
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