7 Traditional Recipes To Try This Christmas
Traditional recipes for Christmas can transform your holiday table into a celebration of India’s culinary traditions. This festive season, give these delicious dishes a try!
A delicious mixture of faith, family, and feasting, Christmas is the celebration that brings together the snow-dusted streets of Shimla and the sunlit beaches of Goa. Every region brings its unique flavors to the festive table. Christmas pudding and roast turkey may hog the limelight across the world, but our cultural tapestry is diverse and full of traditional recipes that fill the holiday spirit with a zing of local zest.
From the smoky warmth of Anglo-Indian plum cake to the crunchy sweetness of Kerala's achappam, these beloved recipes have been passed down through generations, creating a delicious symphony of heritage and celebration. Here are some traditional recipes to try this Christmas, guaranteed to make your festivities even more special.
Plum Cake
Does the festive month of December get you excited to bake? If so, we’re on the same page! A classic plum cake is the perfect way to add a rustic jingle to your celebrations, and the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make. You're all set to create this festive delight with basic baking ingredients and a generous mix of dry fruits. After all, can Christmas ever feel complete without the warm, spiced goodness of a plum cake?
Achappam (Rose Cookies)
Ah, rose cookies! These delicate, flower-shaped delights are a quintessential part of Christmas celebrations in many Indian households, especially in the coastal regions. Known as achappam in Kerala or rosette cookies in other parts of the world, these crispy treats are made with a lightly sweetened batter of rice flour, coconut milk, and eggs, deep-fried to perfection using a special mold. So, you better keep your achappam mold handy this Christmas!
Eggless Kulkuls
Eggless kulkuls or kidyo are lovely Christmas sweets treasured in Goan and Mangalorean homes. The small, crispy curls made from flour, sugar, butter, and a little vanilla powder ensure that the kulkuls are eggless. A fork or gnocchi board gives the kulkuls its fun shape with its characteristic ridges. Fried till golden kulkuls are coated with powdered sugar or simply left out, giving a crunchy, sweet bite.
Chocolate Rum Balls
These no-bake chocolate rum balls are an instant indulgent treat for giving a decadent feel to your Christmas celebrations. A few ingredients like crushed chocolate biscuits, condensed milk, and a splash of rum are enough to give it a festive feel. You can put together these bite-sized yummy-licious balls in no time. Dusted with desiccated coconut or sprinkles, they're as attractive as they are irresistible.
Warning: These chocolate rum balls are so irresistible that you might find yourself “sampling” the whole batch before the guests arrive—proceed with caution!
Bebinca
It's almost Christmas and no Bebinca? That cannot be! This layered Goan dessert gets a modern twist with black jaggery caramel sauce. The rich, buttery layers of cashews and cream pair beautifully with the deep, smoky sweetness of the caramel. This fusion elevates the traditional bebinca, making it a show-stopping treat for festive occasions or indulgent celebrations.
Chicken Vindaloo
Sometimes, you need something bold and spicy to cut through the festive sweetness of Christmas treats. Chicken Vindaloo is a Goan specialty that will do the trick at your Christmas feast. This fiery curry with tangy vinegar, aromatic spices, and tender chicken will pleasantly contrast the holiday spread. Its rich, flavorful gravy pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or crusty bread, making for a stand-out dish to spice up your Yuletide celebrations in true Goan style.
Mutton Biryani
Biryani is that one dish that everyone can enjoy for all festivities. India being a diverse country, has different biryani recipes from one state to another. So, why not have a steamy hot plate of biryani with your friends this Christmas? Making this mutton biryani is as fun as eating it. The tender mutton pieces that melts in your mouth, the beautiful long grains of the Basmati rice, and the flavors of the aromatic spices are the best ways to enjoy the weather and the vibes.
From rose cookies to biryanis, we go all out during Christmas. Given India’s diverse culinary dishes, it is no surprise that traditional dishes vary from north to south. So, which one will you try this year?
Shreya Mukherjee
Shreya loves a good Harry Potter conversation when she is not busy figuring out the best toppings for Ramen. An avid reader who enjoys all forms of story-telling, you will find her either reading or binge-watching shows. She also loves spending her weekends taking care of her skin while figuring out which restaurant to get a take-out from.