Christmas is just a few days away. You must have started planning your Christmas celebration or family gathering. Every year, my family celebrates this festival with great enthusiasm. We know the hectic days and intense efforts that precede the feast. The decorations, sweets, and carol singing are all part of the season that I love. But I must confess that I am most excited about the food and drinks. One of the most frequent concerns is always: What dishes should we serve to our guests? This is a very important question.
Why not add some Goan flair to your Christmas feast for all non-Goans? Here are 10 of our favourite Goan recipes, both sweet and savoury. We recommend adding a Goan flair to your celebrations if your guests are not vegetarians. Don’t forget the port wine!
10 Delicious and Easy Goan Recipes for Christmas 2023.
1. Chicken Croquettes
Croquettes are a great Goan appetizer. Almost always, these deep-fried snacks will be served at Catholic gatherings in Goa. Croquettes are easy to make and delicious. Pair them with ketchup or flavoured mayo, or another dip. For the full recipe, click here. Pro tip: Layer chopped lettuce, onions/capsicums, and sauces in hot dog rolls for another delicious party starter.
2. Rava Fried Fish
Goan fish fry is a variety of recipes. If you are looking for something simple and quick, we recommend rava-fried fish made with kingfish or surmai, but you can use any fish of your choice. This is a favorite in many homes. You can read the full recipe by clicking here.
3. Vindaloo
Goans are known for their love of spices and aromas. The curries that they love best reflect this. Vindaloo, a classic that has stood the test of time, is something you should try. For an authentic Goan taste, this delicious main dish goes best with poie or rice. It can be served with pav or chapatis/other types of bread. Here are some recipes for vindaloo with potatoes, chicken or mutton.
4. Sorpotel
You must try Sorpotel if you like pork. This Portuguese delicacy is also prepared in other regions besides Goa. It has a pungent taste that reminds you of pickles. Sorpotel has a fiery, tart flavor that is undeniably delicious. For the recipe, click here.
5. Prawn Curry
Prawns are a must for any Goan meal. The Goan prawn curry is a sure-fire winner. It has a delicious flavour and a smooth texture that is infused with coconut milk. Here is the recipe with step-by-step instructions.
6. Chicken Cafreal
Are you tired of the red curry? Cafreal is a green delight. This dish’s base is made up of a mixture of coriander, a variety spices and other ingredients. You can cook it as either a semi-dry or gravy. You will love its flavour, no matter how you prepare it. Here is the recipe video .
7. Sorak
We highly recommend Sorak if you want to include a vegetarian option in your menu. Just because it’s vegetarian doesn’t mean it’s any less delicious. It is as robust as the other curries. Sorak is a great example of a meal that tastes better the second day! You can find the complete recipe by clicking here. You can prepare only the sorak curry and serve the fried fish as a side dish.
8. Bebinca
You must have a variety of desserts and sweets on your Christmas table. Bebinca is a niche dessert that Goans love. This delicacy, which is layered with coconut milk and sugar, is made from eggs. Bebinca is delicious as-is, but it can also be served slightly warm with ice cream. Click here to view the full recipe .
9. Bolinhas
Make traditional sweets to enjoy over several days. Bolinha will appeal to both children and adults. This is a cookie-like snack that has a coconut or cardamom flavor. Learn how to make it by clicking here.
10. Pinaca
The traditional sweet of Goa is pinaca, or pinagr. It’s made with parboiled rice, palm sugar and coconut. It’s wholesome and warms the heart. The dark brown color and slightly gritty texture make it stand out. It’s best to try it yourself to experience its magic. Here is the complete recipe.