CHRISTMAS DISHES IN INDIA: A DELISH BLEND OF GLOBAL AND LOCAL

Christmas celebrations in India are a celebration of each state having their distinctive delicacies prepared from scratch. “May it be Bebinca from Goa, rich, fruity and spiced cakes from Kerala, Allahabad and Puducherry or Kerala’s Achappam (rose cookie), the list is endless,” says culinary expert Reetu Uday Kugaji.

Food traditions surrounding Christmas in India reflect a cultural interplay between local produce and colonial influences. “Christmas celebration varies widely across India, and local ingredients and regional cooking styles play a major role in the foods prepared,” says Chef Gautam Mehrishi. Here’s how these ingredients and recipes come together in the context of Indian Christmas tradition.

Corn Pudding:

Corn pudding

Corn pudding, a dish with roots in American and European traditions, has been adapted into Indian kitchens by using local ingredients. While corn pudding typically features cornmeal, milk, and sugar, in India, it can be made with variations such as sweet corn or corn flour, combined with coconut milk or spices like cardamom and nutmeg. “Corn pudding with its sweet flavour fits into the Indian tradition of preparing rich and creamy desserts, especially during Christmas,” says chef Mehrishi.

Popular Christmas dishes
GOA In Goa, Christmas celebrations include traditional Portuguese sweets such as egg custard cookies and Bebinca. Ingredients like coconut, cashews, and jaggery are used, creating a fusion of Portuguese and Goan flavours.

KERALA In Kerala, Christmas delicacies use ingredients like coconut and tamarind, with baked goods incorporating flour, sugar, and spices.

NORTH AND NORTHEAST INDIA In the Northeast, dishes like vegetable pies and pumpkin-based desserts are common. Ragi-based recipes and corn pudding can be adapted to local tastes, adding to the festive mix of regional flavours.

Vegetarian shepherd’s pie

Vegetarian Shepherd's pie

The vegetarian shepherd’s pie (a dish with its roots in the UK and Ireland) can be adapted for Indian Christmas tables. The base of the pie, traditionally made with minced meat, can be replaced with potatoes, peas, carrots, and lentils. Spices such as garam masala, turmeric, and cumin would flavour the filling, making it a fusion dish that blends European and Indian culinary traditions.

Pumpkin desserts and bakes

Pumpkin pie

Pumpkin has long been a part of regional diets, particularly in West Bengal and Kerala, where pumpkins are used in both savoury and sweet dishes. Pumpkin is often found in desserts such as pumpkin halwa or kaddu ki sabzi (sweet pumpkin curry). These dishes are often made with jaggery and cardamom.

Ragi for a healthy spin
A traditional superfood ragi, also known as finger millet, is a nutritious grain rich in calcium, fibre, and iron, and is often used in preparing porridge, pancakes, and baked goods. To make Christmas cakes and puddings healthier, ragi can be incorporated into cakes or puddings, as it provides a hearty, rustic texture perfect for a festive meal.