Tuesday, 17 February 2015

Goan Dishes for Lent Season

The Lent season is marked by a period of fasting among devout Christians. Like elsewhere in the world, Christians in India, especially those in Goa, also observe this period of fasting. Meat is shunned and vegetarian dishes are given more space. However, fish is still eaten by many Goans. Here are some of the Lent recipes you can try:

Vegetable croquette: This simple recipe is easy to make and delicious to eat. It is also one of the easiest ways of making your kids eat vegetables. Vegetable croquettes are made with seasonal vegetables –– carrots, cauliflowers, beans and peas. Mashed with potato and then shallow fried, these are perfect for starters or evening snacks. You can serves them with tomato sauce or chutney.

Thursday, 5 February 2015

Plan A Goan Feast For Your Next Party

No one knows how to party like a Goan! Fond of music, laughter and fun, the Goans love nothing more than throwing a feast for friends and family. With good food and music, the Goan theme is also ideal for your own party. If you are worried about getting it right, we tell you how!

Goan Feast

Set the mood
Start with the look of the party. Ask your friends to dress up in beach style, in keeping with Goas coastline. Goans are usually casually dressed. So, the usual colourful shirts and shorts work well here. Girls can opt for floaty skirts as well. You can go the whole hog and do a beach party theme with seashells for decoration and little mementoes of palm fronds!

Next comes the selection of music and Goa has some really good tunes to offer. You can dig up old recording of Remo Fernandes or look for newer artists. You can ask your Goan friends or search the internet for more information.  

Get the grub
Remember that food is the secret to a good party. So make sure that you get this right. Luckily, Goan food is perfect for any party. Delicious and wide in its range of dishes, you can load your table with some amazing delicacies. Given the States long coastline, seafood is pretty important. Goans also love their meet, including pork and beef dishes. If you have no religious restrictions, consider including these all. 

Start with a starter of crab cakes or fish fry. For the main course you must have the famous Goan fish curry. Akin to comfort food, the fish curry is Goan fast food. For meat dishes, choose from vindaloo, sorpotel or roast pork. If beef is not taboo, try a Goan roast beef. ALternatively, you can also try chicken or crab xacuti. Make sure there is bhaji as well as dal included for the vegetarians.   For dinner try the multi-layered and delicious Bebinca.

Let the drinks flow
While you are busy planning the meal, do not forget this crucial aspect. You cannot miss the States famous feni! You can also try innovative cocktails using the feni. For the teetotallers keep some daab in keeping with the theme!

So, set the stage and get ready to party!