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.

Goan vegetable curry: An evergreen favourite, the Goan vegetable curry is not just delicious, with its combination of vegetables, it is also a healthy dish. For the homemaker cook it offers another advantage –– it is a dish that can be used to clean up the vegetable tray! Just use whatever vegetables you have and bung them in this versatile recipe. Cooked with the delicious mix of Goan spices and a creamy coconut gravy, it is bound to become a family favourite.

Varan bhaat: Who does not like dal and rice? The Indian staple of dal is both delicious and nutritious. Made with lentils, varan or dal is rich in protein. Bhaat or rice is usually served with this dal. The Goan varan bhaat stands out from its Maharashtrian counterpart because of the inclusion of coconut, which gives it an added flavour boost.  

Fish curry: A Goan can never stay too long without fish curry, even during Lent. Although meat is prohibited, fish is eaten during the Lent season. With the rich catch of the sea nearby, Goans have much to choose from, whether a prawns, mackerels, pomfrets or other fishes. Cooked in the coconut gravy, the Goan fish curry is to die for.

Pancakes: Often cooked during the Shrove Tuesday that falls just before Easter, Goan pancakes are sweet and yummy. The batter is the usual flour and eggs with milk. It is the filling of coconut and palm jaggery that makes the Goan pancake so special. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!