½ Cup Coconut 'Toddy' Vinegar (Toddy Vinagre) - can substitute white wine vinegar
½ tsp Jaggery (Gur)
Kosher Salt (Namak) to taste
-OPTIONAL-
½ Medium Onion (Pyaz) - sliced thin
2 Tbs Coconut oil (Nariyal ka Tel)
Preparation:
-OPTIONAL- Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat until shimmering - Add onion and sauté (stirring regularly) for 10 minutes - Add a tsp of salt and continue to sauté (stirring regularly) until caramelized and mahogany in color (apx 30-60 minutes) - Add a Tbs of the vinegar to the pan an lightly scrape the bottom of the pan with rubber/silicone spatula to deglaze and lift all of the 'fond' - Transfer to the work bowl of a small food processor or blender - Set aside to cool for 20 minutes
Place the Kashmiri chiles in a bowl and add the vinegar - allow to soak for 20 minutes
Transfer the soaked chiles and the vinegar to the work bowl containing the caramelized onion (if using) and add all of the remaining ingredients
Grind into a slightly coarse, thick paste (think tomato paste) - Add additional vinegar as needed to achieve consistency
Use immediately or store in an air tight container in refrigerator for up to 1 month
This extremely versatile 'go to ' masala paste is found in almost all Goan households. Most commonly, it is used to stuff or marinate fish and seafood but it is also used as a general 'curry paste' to quickly add flavor to pretty much any type of dish.