Easy Christmas Feast Recipies From Appetisers to Desserts

Introduction

The Christmas season is just around the corner! Along with the buzz of festivities and celebrations, food in Christmas plays a central role in bringing families and friends together. In India, we can see a combination of Western and regional flavours while preparing Christmas cakes, chocolates and desserts. Popular regional curries are enjoyed alongside Indian favourites like biryani, kebabs, and more. It's a time when people come together to share traditional recipes and create new memories around the dining table. So, let’s explore some Indian Christmas snack ideas and main course dishes!

About the Christmas Feast in India

Christmas is a time of joy and giving, and in India, it is no different. While giving gifts, decorating halls and Christmas trees are part of the festivities. Many Indian Christians contribute to society through food and monetary donations, as charity is equally important. Likewise, Christmas food in India is a fusion of Western and Indian flavours. Traditional Christmas meals are a combination of a variety of meat, seafood, curries, rice, breads, and loads of sweet treats.

Explore a Variety of Food Ideas for the Christmas Feast

Planning the perfect feast can be a bit stressful, right? But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or a cosy dinner for two, make your festive celebrations one to remember! Let’s take a look at some delicious food ideas to make your Christmas menu special. From tasty appetisers to melt in the mouth desserts, our menu offers a wide variety of options. Whether you're in the mood for something savoury or sweet. We have listed recipes that everyone can enjoy. Here are some Christmas snack ideas and meal suggestions you can easily make at home.

Appetisers

1. Chicken lollipop: To make chicken lollipops, start by cleaning and shaping chicken winglets. Marinate them in a mixture of spices like ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and red chilli powder, Chicken Masala. Deep fry the marinated lollipops until golden brown and crispy. While frying, prepare a tangy sauce by sauteing onions, garlic, and chilli peppers. Add soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and water as required. Toss the fried lollipops in sauce, and coat them evenly. Garnish with spring onions or coriander and serve hot..
2. Fried Fish/Prawns Cutlets: These golden brown cutlets are a great start to your Christmas feast. To make this recipe boil the fish of your choice with a little salt. In a bowl, add finely chopped onions, ginger, garlic, green chillies, turmeric,Fish fry masala coriander, and red chilli powder. Combine the boiled fish with the masala mixture along with breadcrumbs to form a dough. Give a round shape and deep-fry the cutlets in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Serve hot with a tangy dipping sauce.
3. Cheesy Baked Puffs: These cheesy puffs are the most sought-after party appetisers. They're easy to make and are ideal for a busy holiday season. Mix grated cheese, all purpose flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt into a smooth batter. Shape them as you like and place them over a baking tray and set the temperature to 200°C for 15-20 minutes. You can also deep fry them if not baking. Serve warm with schezwan or mint chutney.Try Out: Chicken Masala and Fish fry masala

Salads

1. Fruit Chaat Salad: Apt for post-lunch! Cut fresh fruits that you like such as watermelon, pineapple, apple, and pomegranate. For extra spice, top it off with aashirvaad chaat masala mixture and drizzle it with lime juice.
2. Indian Spiced Quinoa Salad: A nourishing bowl of roasted vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers, served over cooked quinoa. Topped with crunchy toasted almonds and pumpkin seeds, and drizzled with a lemon-tahini dressing.
3. Refreshing Cucumber Salad: Make a simple yet flavourful salad with crunchy cucumber slices mixed with lime juice, chaat masala, and red chilli powder. Topped with fresh yoghurt, coriander and a sprinkle of roasted cumin seeds, this salad pairs well with any Indian meal. Try Out: Aashirvaad Chaat Masala

Meals

1. Biryani: No Indian celebration is complete without biryani, and Christmas is no exception. Whether it's made with chicken, lamb, or vegetables, the combination of spices and fluffy basmati rice is sure to be a hit for the Christmas holiday get-together. In a pot, heat ghee or oil, and Add biryani cooking paste, boiled meat or veggies of your choice, and cook until it is soft and tender. In another vessel, cook basmati rice. Then layer the masala and the rice and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes. Once done, puff up the biryani by gently mixing the rice with the paste. Serve hot with raita.
Try Out: biryani cooking paste
2. Chicken Curry: Chicken Xacuti is a Goan special curry that is rich and flavourful. To make the Chicken Xacuti, first start by marinating the chicken. Heat oil in a pan and saute thinly sliced onions, ginger, and garlic until golden. Add 1 tsp lemon juice and water as required and blend them into a smooth paste. Marinate the same paste to chicken pieces and keep it aside for 30 min to 1 hour. In a separate pan, dry roast the whole spices such as Kashmiri red chillies, black peppercorns, cinnamon, cloves, fenugreek, cumin, fennel, poppy seeds, and coriander seeds, until they are aromatic. Grind these roasted spices along with grated coconut into a smooth paste. Saute onions until colour changes, add marinated chicken pieces along with the dry roasted paste. Pour in some water, adjust the salt and simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and Serve it hot for a Christmas dinner party with steamed rice or Poli.
3. Duck Roast: Tharavu Mappas is a popular Kerala-style duck roast known for its rich creamy coconut milk flavour. To prepare it, heat oil in a pan and saute sliced onions, ginger-garlic paste, and a slit green chilli until they release a fragrant aroma. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, red chilli powder, and Meat Masala, and cook until the spices are mixed well. Once the mixture is ready, add boiled duck pieces and cook until they change colour. Then, pour in coconut milk, season with salt, and simmer until the duck becomes tender. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve this delicious dish with appam or puttu for an authentic Kerala meal. Duck roast is a must-have in your Christmas feast and will make your guests drool. Try Out: Meat Masala

Desserts

1. Plum Cake: Christmas feels incomplete without having plum cake. To make this Christmas cake recipe you will have to prepare the ingredients a day prior. Soak in your preferred dry fruits and nuts overnight. Mix wheat flour, baking soda, spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and cardamom powder. Add soaked dry fruits and nuts in the batter along with rum or wine. Bake the cake at 150 degrees Celsius for 30 to 40 minutes. Insert a skewer to check if the cake is fully cooked. Christmas cakes are often given to loved ones as a symbol of goodwill. You can opt for fruit, carrot, ragi cake or any other variety.
2. Milk Pudding (Paal Pudding): A creamy and comforting dessert, milk pudding is a classic Indian sweet. Boil milk in a heavy-bottomed pot, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Once the milk is reduced, add sugar, cardamom powder, and a little flour or semolina. Stir continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, stirring regularly. Let the pudding cool completely, then chill it in the refrigerator. Serve chilled, garnished with nuts or dried fruits.
3. Cookies & Chocolates: Kids' all time favourite cookies and chocolates take a permanent position when it comes to feasts. You can opt for ready to eat SF Baked Creations Walnut & Choco Chips or delicious assorted Fabelle Dessert Collection in your menu. They make a wonderful treat to share with family and friends.

Conclusion

In India, Christmas isn't just about decorations and gifts, it's all about bringing people together over a delicious meal. With a mix of Western influences and local Indian flavours, Christmas holiday snacks and meals cannot be missed! We hope you start planning your Christmas feast menu as soon as possible. Get all your essential ingredients well in advance from ITC Store Online. So, whether you're hosting a big family dinner or just enjoying a meal with close friends, get set to try them all!
Check out our blog on Classic Dessert Recipes to add a touch of sweetness to your celebrations.
Get the ITC Store app on Google Play or Apple App Store today to enjoy a seamless shopping experience for all your grocery needs.

FAQ

1. What is traditional food on Christmas?

Traditional Christmas foods in India vary by region, but some common dishes include roast meats such as chicken, mutton, or duck, rich curries and rice dishes such as biryani, and sweets such as plum cake or pudding.

2. What dishes are a must during Christmas as well as other festivals?

Dishes like biryani, pulao, and various curries are enjoyed during both Christmas and other festivals in India. Every region can have different variations of making the same recipe depending on their taste and preference.

3. What is the traditional cake eaten at Christmas?

The traditional cake eaten at Christmas in India is often a plum or fruit cake. It is made with dried fruits like raisins, and cranberry, and nuts like almonds and walnuts. The cake is typically soaked in rum or brandy to get a unique flavour.

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