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For Indian Christians, the Christmas season is marked by heartfelt prayers, midnight masses, and, of course, the aroma of festive delicacies wafting through the air.
The kitchen becomes the heart of the celebration, bringing families together to prepare a feast that honours both heritage and the joy of the season.
Here’s a glimpse into the culinary traditions that make Christmas a magical time for Indian Christians.
Christmas Cake: A Festive Essential
The Christmas cake is an unmissable highlight of the season. Inspired by the classic plum cake brought by the British, it has been lovingly adapted to suit Indian palates. This rich, spiced cake is brimming with dried fruits, nuts, and a generous splash of rum or brandy. The preparation often begins weeks in advance, with families soaking dried fruits in spirits to ensure the flavours deepen.
In many homes, baking the Christmas cake is a cherished family ritual, with everyone gathering to mix the ingredients—a process often accompanied by laughter, carols, and a prayer for blessings in the coming year.
Savoury Stars of the Table
While sweets hold a special place, the savoury dishes in an Indian Christian Christmas feast are equally noteworthy.
Vindaloo or Sorpotel: From Goa to Kerala, pork dishes like vindaloo or sorpotel are staples at Christmas gatherings. These slow-cooked dishes are infused with vinegar, spices, and a touch of jaggery, creating a harmonious balance of heat and tang.
Appam and Stew: In Kerala, a Christmas breakfast often features appam (fermented rice pancakes) served with a fragrant stew made with chicken, lamb, or vegetables simmered in coconut milk.
Biryani: For many families, biryani is a centrepiece dish, showcasing a medley of fragrant basmati rice, tender meat, and warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
Sweets for the Soul
Indian Christians have a rich tradition of Christmas sweets, influenced by regional cuisines yet unified by their festive spirit.
Kulkuls: These tiny, deep-fried curls of dough are coated in sugar syrup and have a delightful crunch. Kulkuls are often made in large batches, perfect for sharing with neighbours and friends.
Neureos: A Goan favourite, these sweet, crescent-shaped pastries are filled with coconut, jaggery, and nuts, and fried to golden perfection.
Bebinca: This decadent, layered Goan dessert is made with coconut milk, eggs, and sugar, baked layer by layer for a stunning finish. Bebinca is a labour of love and a symbol of Christmas indulgence.
Drinks to Toast the Season
No Christmas meal is complete without a festive drink to raise a toast. Many families brew their own homemade wine using grapes or plums, a practice steeped in tradition. For those seeking something more warming, a cup of spiced tea or coffee infused with cardamom and cinnamon is the perfect way to round off a hearty meal.
The Spirit of Community and Sharing
Christmas cooking in Indian Christian households is about more than just the food; it’s a celebration of togetherness and generosity. The festive season is a time to share meals, sweets, and love with neighbours of all faiths, reflecting India’s pluralistic spirit.
As you plan your Christmas menu this year, consider drawing inspiration from these rich culinary traditions. Whether it’s a slice of boozy plum cake, a bowl of aromatic biryani, or a crunchy kulkul, each bite tells a story of faith, family, and festivity.
Wishing you a Christmas filled with joy, warmth, and delicious food!
Interestingly as my wife's family originated in India some of the above utterly delicious dishes are not unknown in our home!