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Christmas in Goa is incomplete without the vibrant and delicious Kuswar platter. A culinary tradition passed down through generations, Kuswar is a collection of festive treats prepared during Christmas to share with family, friends, and neighbours. It reflects the rich heritage and culture of Goan households, blending Portuguese and Indian influences into a unique festive spread.
Video Credits: Fatimas Cuisine/ YouTube
The Kuswar platter features a mix of savoury snacks and sweet desserts, each with its distinct flavour and texture. From crispy snacks to melt-in-your-mouth sweets, it’s a feast for the senses and a symbol of the joy and togetherness of the holiday season. Here are the must-have dishes to include in your Kuswar platter to make your Christmas dinner truly special.
Kulkul
Kulkul is a quintessential part of the Kuswar platter and a favourite among kids and adults alike. These deep-fried, crispy curls are made from a dough of flour, sugar, and coconut milk, which is rolled over a comb to create their characteristic ridged texture. Once fried, they’re coated in sugar syrup for a delightful crunch. The sweet and crunchy Kulkul is not just a treat but also a fun activity to prepare as a family during Christmas.
Image Credits: Freepik
Gulliyo
Gulliyo, also known as sweet rice balls, are tiny, chewy treats made from rice flour, jaggery, and coconut. The dough is shaped into small balls and deep-fried until golden brown. These bite-sized delights are a must-have in every Kuswar platter for their unique texture and rich, sweet flavour. Perfect for popping into your mouth, Gulliyo adds a traditional touch to your festive spread.
Christmas Plum Cake
No Christmas celebration is complete without a slice of plum cake. This classic dessert is made with a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices soaked in rum or brandy for days, sometimes even weeks, before being baked. The result is a moist, rich, and flavourful cake that captures the essence of Christmas. Serve it as the centrepiece of your dessert table, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Image Credits: Freepik
Rava Laddoo
Rava laddoo, made from semolina, sugar, and ghee, is another traditional sweet that graces the Kuswar platter. The laddoos are flavoured with cardamom and studded with raisins and nuts, adding a burst of flavour with every bite. These easy-to-make laddoos are not only delicious but also bring a sense of nostalgia, reminding many of their childhood Christmases.
Chakli
Chakli, a spiral-shaped savoury snack, is a crispy addition to the Kuswar platter. Made from a dough of rice flour, gram flour, and spices, Chakli is deep-fried until golden brown. Its crunchy texture and mildly spiced flavour make it an irresistible snack that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee during the festive season.
Image Credits: Freepik
Thukudi or Namakpara
Thukudi, also known as Namakpara in some regions, is a savoury snack made from a dough of flour, salt, and spices. The dough is rolled out, cut into small diamond shapes, and deep-fried until crispy. These crunchy bites are lightly seasoned, making them a perfect counterbalance to the sweet treats on the Kuswar platter.
Crispy Sev
Crispy Sev is another savoury addition to the Kuswar platter, made from gram flour and spices. The dough is passed through a sev press and deep-fried into thin, crunchy strands. Its mildly spiced flavour and delicate texture make it a versatile snack that’s enjoyed by everyone during the festive season.
Image Credits: Freepik
Coconut Barfi
Coconut Barfi is a simple, yet delightful, sweet treat made from freshly grated coconut, condensed milk, and cardamom. This fudge-like dessert is cut into squares or diamonds and often garnished with slivers of nuts. Its rich coconut flavour and soft texture make it a favourite among sweet lovers and a must-have in your Kuswar spread.
Nevryo
Nevryo, or sweet stuffed pastries, are a traditional Goan delicacy that resembles small empanadas. These crescent-shaped treats are filled with a mixture of coconut, jaggery, and cardamom before being deep-fried to perfection. The crispy outer shell and the sweet, aromatic filling make Nevryo a standout addition to the Kuswar platter.
Rose Cookies
Rose Cookies, also known as Achappam, are delicate and crispy treats shaped like flowers. Made from a batter of rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, the batter is dipped into a rose-shaped mould and deep-fried until golden brown. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them a festive favourite for Christmas.
