The holiday season is finally here! Which means delicious food and vibrant decorations. When it comes to Christmas in India, the festive table is adorned with an array of delectable treats, each dish narrating a story of cultural fusion, tradition, and the spirit of togetherness. In honor of this delicious food, join us this month as your favorite Nashua restaurant, India Palace, explores some of India’s favorite dishes for the holiday season!
Plum Cake
A quintessential Christmas treat, plum cake is a rich and dense fruitcake made with a variety of dried fruits, nuts, and soaked in rum. Families often start preparing these cakes weeks in advance, allowing the flavors to mature.
Kulkuls and Guava Cheese
Kulkuls, also known as kidiyo or rose cookies, are a popular Christmas sweet in many Indian households. These deep-fried, shell-shaped delights are made with a dough of flour, milk, and sugar. Guava Cheese, a sweet made from guava pulp and sugar, is another Christmas specialty.
Christmas Pudding
While Christmas pudding is a classic English dessert, it has found a place in many Indian homes during the festive season. The rich, spiced pudding is often served with a drizzle of warm custard.
Bebinca
A traditional Goan dessert, Bebinca is a layered pudding made with flour, coconut milk, sugar, and ghee. It is a time-consuming dish to prepare but is well worth the effort for its unique taste and texture.
Biryani and Curries
In many Indian households, Christmas feasts include a spread of savory dishes. Biryani, a flavorful rice dish with aromatic spices and meat, is a popular choice. Chicken or mutton curries, often prepared with a unique blend of spices, add a spicy kick to the festive table.
Neureos
Neureos are deep-fried dumplings filled with a mixture of grated coconut, jaggery, and nuts. These sweet dumplings are a Christmas specialty in Goa and other parts of India.
Rose Cookies
Another favorite Christmas snack, rose cookies are thin, crispy, and shaped like a rose. These deep-fried cookies are made with a batter of rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, resulting in a delightful treat.
Appam and Stew
In certain regions of India, especially in Kerala, Appam and stew are popular Christmas breakfast dishes. Appam is a rice pancake with a soft center and crispy edges, often served with a fragrant stew made with coconut milk, vegetables, and sometimes, meat.
Candied Fruit and Nuts
Candied fruits and nuts are often used in various Christmas desserts. From decorating cakes to being served as standalone treats, these sweet and chewy delights add a burst of flavor and color to the festive spread.
Gingerbread Cookies
Influenced by Western Christmas traditions, gingerbread cookies have become a popular treat in India. Families often gather to bake and decorate these spiced cookies with colorful icing.
Visit Your Favorite Nashua Restaurant, India Palace!
Did we spark your cravings? Visit your favorite Nashua restaurant for a bite to eat! To discover all of our delicious food options, we encourage you to check out our online menu or stop in and dine with us today.
