Christmas is less than a week away. If you are planning a Christmas party or family gathering, preparations should start in full swing. My family celebrates this festival with much fanfare every year. So we know very well how many busy days and how much hard work goes into the lead-up to the festival! I enjoy this season: from the decorations and sweets to the carol singing and Midnight Mass. But I admit that the food and drinks are what I look forward to the most. As always, one of the most common concerns is: what dishes should we serve to our guests? This question really needs a lot of thought.
Also read: 5 great chicken finger foods for your Christmas party
For all the non-Goans planning a Christmas party, why not bring some traditional flavour to your feast? We have listed 10 all-time favourite Goan dishes (savoury and sweet) that are sure to impress. If your guests are non-vegetarians, we especially recommend giving a Goan touch to your celebration. And don’t forget to have some port wine!
Here Are 10 Delicious And Easy Goan Recipes For Christmas 2023:
1. Chicken Croquettes
Goan Cuisine: Goan croquettes are a must-try. Photo Credit: iStock
If you want a Goan appetizer, you can’t go wrong with croquettes. These deep-fried snacks are almost always served at gatherings of Goan Catholics. Spicy, juicy and crispy croquettes don’t take a lot of time or energy to make. Just make sure you serve them with ketchup, flavored mayo or any other dip. Click here for the detailed recipe. Pro tip: You can also layer croquettes, chopped lettuce, onions/capsicum and sauce inside a hot dog roll to make another delicious party starter.
Also read: Potato Cheese Croquettes: A Delicious Snack That Will Drive Away Your Mid-Week Blues
2. Rava Fried Fish
Goan fish fry includes a variety of recipes. If you want to make something quick and simple, we recommend making Rava Fried Fish using kingfish, surmai or any other fish of your choice. It is a delicious dish that is a staple in many households. Read the full recipe here.
3. Vindaloo
Goan Cuisine: Vindaloo is a spicy dish you must try.
Goans love a certain kind of spice and aroma. This is best reflected in their favourite curries. Vindaloo is one such classic dish that you must try. This delicious main dish goes best with rice or poi (for an authentic Goan experience). You can also serve it with chapati or pav/other types of bread. Here is our recipe for vindaloo made with potatoes, chicken, mutton or pork.
4. Sorpotel
Goan Recipe: Sorpotel is a spicy recipe that usually contains pork. Photo Credit: iStock
If you love pork, you must try Sorpotel. This dish has Portuguese roots and is traditionally made in regions outside Goa as well. The vinegar gives it a tangy flavour that is reminiscent of pickles. Sorpotel is spicy, tangy and undoubtedly satisfying. Click here for the step-by-step recipe.
5. Shrimp Curry
What can a Goan feast be without prawns? You can never go wrong with Goan prawn curry. Blended with coconut milk, it has a smooth texture and unmatched flavour that will make your meal memorable. Get the step-by-step recipe here.
6. Chicken Cafreal
Are you bored of red curry? Then opt for the green goodness of cafreal. The base of this dish is a mix of coriander and a variety of spices. It can be cooked as a semi-dry preparation or as a gravy. Either way, you will fall in love with its amazing taste. Watch its recipe video here.
7. Seorak
If you need a vegetarian option on your menu, we highly recommend sorak. Let me tell you, just because it doesn’t have meat or fish in it, doesn’t mean it’s any less tasty. It has the same robustness as other curries. Sorak is also a great example of a dish that tastes even better the next day! Find the full recipe here. Pro-tip: Instead of making both sorak and fish curry, you can just make sorak and serve fried fish alongside.
8. Bebinca
Goan Cuisine: Bebinca Is A Layered Dessert You Must Have On Christmas 2023. Photo Credit: iStock
Your Christmas table should have a variety of sweets and desserts. While Goans love plum cake, bebinca is another special option. This flaky delicacy is made using eggs, sugar and coconut milk. Bebinca can be enjoyed as is or it can be lightly warmed and eaten with ice cream. Check out the full recipe here.
9.Bolinhas
Enjoy the flavours of Goa beyond one meal at the dinner table and make traditional desserts that can be enjoyed for days. Bolinha is a dish that will be loved by kids as well as adults. It is a crispy cookie-like dessert that is usually flavoured with coconut and cardamom. Learn how to make it here.
10. Pinaka
Goan Recipe: Make Traditional Pinaka for Christmas 2023. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
Pinaka or Pinagar is a traditional Goan dessert made with boiled red rice, palm jaggery and coconut. It is nutritious and heart-warming. Its dark brown colour makes it stand out, as does its slightly rough texture. You have to taste it yourself to know its wonders. The full recipe is given here.
Which of these recipes did you like the most? Tell us in the comments.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas 2023!
Also read: Want to celebrate Christmas 2023 in Mumbai? Check out these special menus, brunch options and dining offers
