Caldin is comfort food. The word Caldin is derived from the Portuguese ‘caldinho’ which means broth. It is a simple warm broth made with many ingredients but traditionally with prawns and bottle gourd, or prawns and pumpkin. Please see our Caldin with prawn and bottle gourd recipe here. Caldin again traces its origins to the Portuguese era but has undergone many variations as it mingled with Indian spices but without losing its fundamental character. Another classic caldin is Caldin de Legumes or vegetable Caldin which is an all time favourite among both vegetarians and non vegetarians. Caldin can be had with rice or breads and are immensely popular not just in Goa but in Portugal too. During the rainy season, or during the winter season, a hot bowl can keep you warm and satisfied.
What you need:
- Prawns: 250g
- Pumpkin: 200g
- Onion: 1 medium
- Fresh coconut milk: 1 cup (3/4 diluted, 1/4 thick.
- The Women of Goem Caldin de Camarao masala: 2-3 tbsps
- Curry leaves for garnish
- Salt to taste
- Cooking oil (coconut oil is traditional, but you can use any oil)
Season the prawns with salt, pepper and lime juice.
Chop the pumpkin into slightly larger pieces.
Heat 2-3 tbsps of oil in a cooking vessel.
Add a tsp of mustard seeds.
When they sputter, add the finely chopped onion.
Fry for 3-4 minutes.
The onions need to change colour to golden brown.
Add the Caldin de Camarao masala.
Lower the flame. Mix well with the onion.
Add 2-3 tsps of diluted coconut milk to prevent burning.
Fry the masala stirring continuously until the oil separates.
Add the pumpkin pieces.
Mix throughly with the masala.
Fry for a minute or two.
Add the diluted coconut milk.
Stir until it starts boiling.
Add half a tsp of salt.
Add a sprig of curry leaf.
Cover the pot.
Cook for 3-5 minutes
Check the pumpkin.
It should be just getting cooked.
Add the prawns.
Mix throughly
Adjust the liquid content. You can add a little water.
Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes.
The prawns will be cooked by now.
Add the remaining coconut milk.
Give it a slight stir after switching off the flame.
Transfer to a bowl
