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Other than stunning beaches and vibrant culture, Goa is also famous for its diverse hospitality and food culture. There is a noticeable joyful atmosphere at Christmas as families gather to share delicious meals. Desserts are a must in these ceremonies, and Goan food has numerous local sweet dishes which reflect the essence of the Goan region. All the desserts that have been created hold a history of Goan legacy, along with ideas derived from Portuguese tradition. Without these delicious treats that sweeten the festive mood, Christmas in Goa wouldn't be the same. Deserts of Goa are layered and rich, crispy, and mouthwatering; therefore, Goan desserts should not be missed. Each sweet gives a flavour of the special tastes and feels of the place, which makes them great for having fun during festive time.
Dodol
A popular traditional Goan dessert, dodol is especially appreciated during the Christmas season. This sweet dish is soft, tender, tasty, and flavoured and it is made using rice flour, coconut milk and jaggery. Rice flour is added to get the desired texture after coconut milk and jaggery are simmered until the mixture has a thick, fudgy consistency. When sufficiently thick, the liquid is put onto a greased tray to set, usually overnight. Dodol is a charming addition to any Christmas table because it can be cut into squares or designed into little pieces.
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Kulkuls
In Goa, kulkuls are delicious, crunchy, sweet treats that are a favourite Christmastime delicacy. The basic batter of wheat, sugar, and coconut milk gives these little, spiral-shaped cookies their crunchy texture and delicately sweet taste. The method used to create kulkuls is what distinguishes them; the dough is wound around the handle of a wooden spoon or fork to give them their distinctive spiral shape. The kulkuls are formed, deep-fried until golden brown, and then dusted with powdered sugar. Because of its delicious flavour, kulkuls are a popular holiday delicacy in Goan homes. They are typically consumed with a cup of tea or as a celebratory snack during festivities.
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Bebinca
A rich, multi-layered pastry renowned for its complex preparation and mouthwatering flavour, bebinca is frequently referred to as the queen of Goan sweets. The unique part of this dessert, which is made with coconut milk, sugar, eggs, and flour, is the careful layering of each thing. To get the right texture and flavour, bebinca is made in layers, usually seven to sixteen, each of which is cooked separately. Bebinca is allowed to cool once all the layers have been put together and baked, and then it is cut into squares or rectangles. It shows Goan celebration times and is used a lot in parties like Christmas fun.
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Doce
Doce is a traditional Goan sweet that incorporates jaggery and tasty coconut. Made with grated coconut, rice flour, and jaggery, this straightforward but flavourful treat is chewy and melts on your lips. Cooking grated coconut and jaggery until they combine to produce a uniform slurry is the simple process of making doce. When the mixture is ready, it is spread out and let to cool on a pan or flat surface. It can be rolled into little balls or cut into squares once it has hardened. In addition to being a simple dish to make, doce brings back happy memories of family Christmas parties for many Goans.
Marzipan
A delicious dessert that reflects the Portuguese culinary influence on Goan cuisine is marzipan. Marzipan is a very soft, pliable confection that is made from sugar, egg whites and ground almonds – it is often shaped into cute figures, fruits, or any other Christmas-related designs, making it a very colourful item to have around during Christmas. To make marzipan, combine sugar and ground almonds, then use egg whites to bind the mixture into a soft, smooth paste. The marzipan can be formed into a variety of forms after it is ready, frequently taking the form of classic Christmas symbols. In addition to being visually appealing, marzipan has a rich, sweet flavour that pleases the palette.
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Neureos / Nevris
Nevris, another name for Neureos, are delectable deep-fried pastries stuffed with a sweet concoction of dry fruits, jaggery, and shredded coconut. Since they go well to counterbalance other royal sweet creations, these delicacies dominate Christmas and Goan festivals. Neureo dough has a soft, adaptable feel and is created with flour, water, and a bit of salt. The main attraction is the filling, which is usually made out of cardamom, grated coconut, jaggery, and occasionally dried fruits or nuts. Small rounds of dough are filled and formed after the filling is ready, and then they are deep-fried till golden brown. Neureos are a favourite among both kids and adults because of their crispy outside and sweet, chewy inside.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Enjoying these six traditional Goan sweets this Christmas will not only satisfy your sweet desire but also give you a sense of Goa's rich culinary history. These classic sweets make wonderful gifts or gatherings for families because they are not only appropriate for holiday celebrations but also for sharing with loved ones. Savour the warmth and flavours they offer, and rejoice in the happiness of the community that characterises the Goan holiday spirit.
