Christmas is less than a week away. If you're planning a Christmas party or family get-together, preparations must be in full swing. My family celebrates the festival with great gusto every year. So we know well the busy days and concentrated efforts that precede the feast! I enjoy part of this season: from the decorations and sweets to the carol singing and Midnight mass. But I confess that the food and drink are what I look forward to the most. As always, one of the most common concerns is: what dishes should we serve our guests? This question requires a lot of consideration indeed.
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To all non-Goans planning a Christmas party, why not bring some traditional flair to your feast? We have listed down 10 all-time favourite Goan recipes (savoury and sweet) that are sure to impress. If your guests are non-vegetarian, we especially recommend giving a Goan touch to your celebrations. And don't forget to keep some port wine handy!
Here Are 10 Delicious And Easy Goan Recipes For Christmas 2023:
1. Chicken Croquettes
Goan Recipes: Goan croquettes are a must-try. Photo Credit: iStock
If you want a Goan appetiser, you cannot go wrong with croquettes. These deep-fried snacks are almost always served at gatherings of Goan Catholics. Spicy, succulent and crisp, croquettes don't take too time or energy to make. Just make sure you pair them with ketchup, flavoured mayo or any other dip. Click here for the detailed recipe. Pro tip: You can also layer croquettes, chopped lettuce, onions/ capsicums and sauces inside hot dog rolls to make another, yummy party starter.
2. Rava Fried Fish
Goan fish fry includes a wide variety of recipes. If you want something quick and simple, we recommend rava fried fish using kingfish, surmai or any other fish you prefer. It is a delicious indulgence that is a staple in many households. Read the complete recipe here.
3. Vindaloo
Goan recipes: Vindaloo is a spicy indulgence you should not miss.
Goans love a distinctive kind of spice and aroma. This is best reflected in the curries they enjoy. Vindaloo is a timeless classic you need to try. This delectable main course dish is best paired with rice or poie (for an authentic Goan experience). You can also choose to serve it with chapatis or pav/ other types of bread. Here are our recipes for vindaloo featuring potatoes, chicken, mutton or pork.
4. Sorpotel
Goan recipes: Sorpotel is a fiery preparation typically featuring pork. Photo Credit: iStock
If you love pork, you need to try Sorpotel. This delicacy has strong Portuguese roots and is traditionally prepared in regions outside Goa as well. The vinegar lends it a pungent edge that is reminiscent of pickles. Sorpotel is fiery, tart and undeniably satisfying. Click here for the step-by-step recipe.
5. Prawn Curry
How can we talk about a Goan feast without prawns? You cannot go wrong with Goan prawn curry. Infused with coconut milk, it has a smooth texture and unbeatable flavour that will make your meal a memorable one. Find the step-by-step recipe here.
6. Chicken Cafreal
Tired of all the red curries? Then opt for the green goodness of cafreal. The base of this dish is a combination of coriander and a variety of spices. It can be cooked as a semi-dry preparation or as a gravy. Either way, you are going to fall in love with its amazing flavour. Watch the recipe video for it here.
7. Sorak
If you need to have a veg option on your menu, we highly recommend Sorak. Let me tell you, just because it doesn't feature meat or fish, doesn't make it less tasty. It has all the robustness of the other curries. Sorak is also a wonderful example of a dish that tastes much better the next day! Find the full recipe here. Pro-tip: Instead of making both sorak and fish curry, you can choose to only prepare the former and serve fried fish on the side.
8. Bebinca
Goan recipes: Bebinca is a layered sweet you must have on Christmas 2023. Photo Credit: iStock
Your Christmas table must be laid out with a number of sweets and desserts. While Goans do love plum cake, a more niche option is Bebinca. This layered delicacy is made using eggs, sugar and coconut milk. Bebinca can be enjoyed as it is, or slightly warmed and with a side of ice cream. Check out the complete recipe here.
9. Bolinhas
Enjoy Goan flavours beyond one meal at the dinner table by making traditional sweets that can be enjoyed over several days. Bolinha is one such delicacy that will be an instant hit with children as well as adults. It is a crunchy cookie-like treat typically having a coconut and cardamom flavour. Find out how to prepare it here.
10. Pinaca
Goan Recipes: Make traditional pinaca for Christmas 2023. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
Pinaca or pinagr is a traditional Goan sweet made using parboiled red rice, palm jaggery and coconut. It is wholesome and heart-warming. Its dark brown colour makes it stand out, as does its slightly gritty texture. You'll have to taste it for yourself to discover its wonders. Here's the full recipe.
Which of these recipes sounds the most enticing to you? Let us know in the comments.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas 2023!
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