Goa Liberation Day

Goa Liberation Day is celebrated every year on December 19th. It also signifies the triumph of having a strong country that works for the people, by the people and of the people. This day also helps people of Goa celebrate their independence from the Portuguese after 450 years of relentless rule over them. 

What Is Goa Liberation Day?

Goa Liberation Day is the day when Goa was liberated from the rule of Portuguese, after many tries by the government and the people of Goa. Even though India was ruled by the British, Goa was still under Portuguese rule and the impact of the 19th century uprising in India for independence did not have much of an impact. Even the satyagraha movement didn’t have much of an impact on the Portuguese rulers. India got their freedom on 15th August, 1947 but the people of Goa were still struggling with the rule. The Indian government did not take action initially, they tried to hold talks with the Portuguese government but when it all failed military action was taken against them on 19th December, 1961. Operation Vijay took place as a first ever tri-state action to liberate Goa, Damn and Diu from the Portuguese. The Indian government wanted to start the operation on the 1st of December but it eventually happened as a 36-hour operation from 18th to 19th december, 1961. 

Influence Of Portuguese On Goa

Vasco Da Gama set sail from Lisbon in 1497. He circumnavigated the African coast and landed in Calicut. They overtook the coast and slowly made their way along the coast to Goa and Diu in Gujarat. The Portuguese ruled over Goa for the next 450 years and left behind a lasting mark. The food, culture, architecture, even the names of people and places still reflect that. Goanese food has influences from Portuguese, Arab, Brazilian, African, French, Konkani, Malabari, Malaysian and Chinese. Since it has many Hindus, Christians and Muslims, they all have unique dishes that involve a lot of seafood. The Portuguese got chillies, vinegar, bread, potatoes, pineapples, cashews and many more things. This is now the reason why Goa is known for its feni, an alcoholic drink made from cashews.

Bebinca

Bebinca is one of the most famous Indo-Portuguese sweet dishes that is eaten in Goa. It is usually made and eaten more around the Christmas season but since Goa is a big tourist spot, it is served and sold all year round. Traditionally, a bebinca has 7 to 16 layers but bakeries can change it, as per preference. It is made from flour, sugar, ghee, egg yolk, and coconut milk. The batter is spread thinly onto a grill and the layers are stacked atop one another. Bebinca may be garnished with nutmeg or slivered almonds.

Follow along to make a bebinca and bring Goa to your home.

You will need:

1. 3 cups (700 milliliters) coconut milk
2. 1 cup plus 7 tablespoons (285 grams) sugar
3. 24 large egg yolks
4. 2 cups (250 grams) all purpose flour
5. 1 ½ cup (293 grams) ghee
6. Almond slivers or nutmeg for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the coconut milk and sugar until the sugar has dissolved.
2. In another bowl whisk the egg yolks until creamy.
3. Add the coconut milk and sugar mixture to the yolks and mix well until completely homogenous.
4. Add the flour, a little at a time to avoid lumps. This will help you achieve a smooth, pouring consistency batter.
5. Preheat the oven at least 15 minutes before
6. Take a pan at least 6 inches deep and grease it generously with ghee.
7. Put it in the oven to melt.
8. Once melted, remove the pan and add the batter.
9. Let it bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
10. Repeat the same process until all the batter is over
11. Your bebinca is ready!
12. Serve hot or cold.