Onam, Kerala's iconic harvest festival, celebrates the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. The 10-day long festivities begin with Atham, leading up to the grand day of Thiruvonam. Steeped in rich culture and tradition, Onam is not just a festival—it’s a magnificent celebration of Kerala’s vibrant heritage.
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| Delve into Authentic Kerala Prawn Pickle |
In my kitchen, every food holds a story and every dish is a labour of love. It all started with a tale from my daughter, studying medicine miles away in Georgia. She shared anecdotes of her friends carrying bottles of pickles from home, a taste of India in a foreign land.
My children never had much of a palate for pickles. So, when she told me about her friend's batch of prawn pickle, I was intrigued. Despite watching my mother-in-law's sister, Pearly aunty, craft pickles with finesse, I had reservations about preserving non-vegetarian items. But my daughter's enthusiasm sparked something within me, a desire to recreate those flavours in my own domain.
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| Christmas Bliss - Fruit Cake & Homemade Wine |
If there's one place I always dream of visiting during the festive season, it’s Kerala — especially during Christmas or Onam. The charm of Kerala's celebrations is undeniable, and it truly feels like "home" no matter where I am in the world. After all the travel restrictions and the pandemic, I’ve found myself missing India more than ever. As my husband often says, “The true spirit of Christmas can only be felt once you step into God’s Own Country.”
As soon as you cross the Palakkad border, the festive atmosphere sweeps over you. Homes are adorned with sparkling stars, twinkling lights, and beautiful decorations. If you happen to be in Cochin during this time, you'll be mesmerised by how the city lights up, creating an enchanting and festive glow. The entire place feels alive with the spirit of the season — it's the perfect blend of tradition, joy, and warmth.
Feeling the Christmas Vibe in Kerala?
If you’re looking to bring a taste of Kerala’s festive charm into your home this holiday season, keep reading! I’ll be sharing some must-try dishes that will make your celebrations extra special.
I only truly came to understand and celebrate Christmas after marrying my beloved. A Kerala-style Christmas is something truly special — it’s the only way I know how to celebrate the season. Broadly speaking, we are Roman Catholics, with our roots tracing back to Saint Thomas, making us one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. This deep connection to our heritage gives us a unique way of celebrating the holiday.
In keeping with our conservative religious faiths, which believe in suffering before celebration, the first 24 days of December — the Advent season — are marked by a time of austerity and restraint. Most traditional families, including ours, observe "Noyambu," which essentially means fasting or refraining from certain foods and activities. During this period, no meat, seafood, or dairy is consumed, and we lead a pared-back, frugal lifestyle, focusing on spiritual reflection rather than indulgence.
Then, when Christmas Day arrives, it's a celebration like no other, filled with pomp, merriment, and, of course, a grand feast. The austerity of Advent is swept away by the joy and abundance of Christmas, and the food and drinks are an essential part of the festivities. Christmas in Kerala is all about coming together with family, enjoying a sumptuous spread, and celebrating the season with warmth and love.
Ready to Bring the Kerala Christmas Feast to Your Table?
Stay tuned for my detailed Kerala Christmas/New Year menu, including traditional recipes that bring a taste of God's Own Country right into your home. These festive dishes will surely make your celebrations unforgettable!
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| Holiday Glam - Red & Gold Christmas Decor |
When Christmas Day finally arrives, it comes with all the pomp and merriness you could ever imagine, especially when it comes to food and drinks. The whole month of December, leading up to Christmas, has been a time of austerity and restraint, but once the big day is here, it’s a time to indulge in celebration and good cheer.
A Unique Christmas/New Year MenuEvery Christian household has their own favourite menu for the holidays, and while there are many delicious options, what I take pride in is the set of recipes I’ve curated for this year’s Christmas/New Year celebrations. My menu is very much Indian at heart, with a blend of dishes from various regional cuisines and a few international flavours, all sprinkled with traditional family recipes that have been passed down through generations.
Festival Food: Not Just Good, But GREAT FoodFor me, a festival is never just about good food — it’s about GREAT food. And anything worth celebrating should come with special food to commemorate the occasion. Christmas and New Year deserve a spread that reflects the joy and abundance of the season, and that’s exactly what this menu aims to offer.
This Year’s Christmas/New Year Menu: Quick & Easy Menu PlanningSo, let me bring you a new set of menu choices for this year’s Christmas/New Year celebrations. I’ve put together a collection of recipes designed for quick and easy menu planning, ensuring that your holiday meal is as hassle-free as it is festive. Whether you’re hosting an intimate family dinner or throwing a fabulous party, this Indian-style menu is sure to impress!
Here’s what you can expect from this year’s holiday spread:
Traditional Cakes & Homemade WinesAppetizers & Indian Breads
Side Dishes & Flavoured Rice
Raithas, Rice & Curries
Desserts & Drinks
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| Sips & Bites - Christmas Cake with Wine Pairing |
The one and only Christmas cake — or Fruit cake, or simply the Kerala Plum Cake. This beloved tradition kicks off with the preparation of soaking the fruits (a step I personally never followed in my family until recently, but now, I’ve started). Then comes the labour-intensive day of baking 8-10 cakes, making Murukku, Diamond Cuts, Square Biscuits(Kala Kala), and other Christmas goodies. There’s something so special about the smell of warm cakes filling the kitchen, and of course, happily nibbling on the freshly baked treats straight from the oven.
Craving more Christmas delights?
From Murukku and Achappam to Diamond Cuts and Square Biscuits(Kala Kala), explore our full festive collection of treats. Click here to discover more!
In every Christian household, Christmas cakes play a central role. Whether it’s the Kerala Plum Cake, a rich fruit cake with a perfect blend of spices, or other traditional baked goods, no Christmas celebration is complete without these sweet delights. This section is dedicated to celebrating the heartwarming tradition of baking and enjoying these cakes.
Ready to Bake the Perfect Christmas Cake?
Get my full recipe for Kerala Plum Cake and other Delicious Christmas treats — perfect for your festive season! Click here to discover more about this sweet tradition.
What better way to kick off your festive celebrations than with a Homemade Wine paired with a slice of rich Fruit Cake? It's a time-honoured tradition that brings people together—raising glasses of homemade wine and celebrating the season. Whether you're at a family get-together or hosting a lively Christmas party, a toast with homemade wine marks the beginning of something special.
Let’s face it: no party is complete without wine. But homemade wines? They add an extra zing that truly elevates the celebration. The charm of homemade wines lies in their unique flavours and the personal touch that comes with each batch. If you're serving up your Classic Fruit Cake, there's no better partner than a glass of homemade wine. But don’t worry, if you're not a fan of fruit cake, you can serve your favourite cake instead—after all, it's your celebration!
What better way to enjoy your homemade wine than pairing it with a cake that’s as delicious as your drink? The combination of Classic Fruit Cake with homemade wine is sure to impress your guests and create unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re planning a festive night for friends or a family get-together, these homemade wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages will bring joy to every guest. From mulled apple juices for the sober sippers to spiced teas for a warming twist, this guide has everything to make the holiday season unforgettable!
Not everyone at the party may enjoy alcoholic drinks. So, why not plan for some sober options? There’s no harm in having a variety of drinks to suit all your guests. In addition to your wines, why not add some vibrant Mocktails or fun Cocktails to spice up the party?
Alongside the wines, these non-alcoholic drinks will keep everyone in the mood. Add your favourite mocktail mix or a dash of alcohol for a party twist!
For more Cocktails/Mocktails, Click here…
You’ve got your homemade wine, classic fruit cake, and festive mocktails. Now, let’s make it a celebration that everyone will remember!
Kick off your Christmas or New Year feast with an array of mouth-watering appetizers! A Kerala-style menu deserves a spread of crispy, spicy, and flavour-packed starters. Serve these delights with a variety of homemade dips and sauces to elevate the experience. Perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavour, these starters will surely set the stage for an unforgettable festive meal!
Pro Tip: Pair these starters with a choice of homemade dips like Green Chutney, Sarlas, Spicy Mayo Dip or Mint Yoghurt. Experiment with dips to create flavour pairings that will wow your guests
In Kerala, a hearty breakfast often includes Appam and Stew—a combination beloved across generations. For festive occasions in our family, we often bring this cherished pairing into the lunch menu, serving Appam with Stew and a side of Cutlet to start off with a comforting, flavour-packed course.
For your Christmas or New Year celebration, try this versatile dish as a Breakfast Menu or Second Course in a Kerala-style lunch. Here are some ideas to elevate this course with options that include Instant Rava Appam paired with a comforting Kerala Stew. Or, for a spicier twist, serve Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk in a traditional style. This course also goes beautifully with a few slices of Bread if you prefer a lighter side.
Want to dive deeper into Kerala-style Christian Breakfast? Check out a dedicated post for all the traditional dishes perfect for festive mornings.
To bring in a touch of tradition with a sweet twist, serve Sweetened Coconut Milk or Nendhra Pazham in Paani (bananas in a sweet syrup) alongside the curries. These accompaniments add an extra layer of flavour and texture to your meal, giving guests a taste of authentic Kerala.
Each dish adds something unique to the meal, from the light and fluffy appams to the creamy richness of stew and the sweetness of coconut milk. Make sure to prepare enough for seconds because this course is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
If you're looking to add a bit of flair to the traditional Kerala spread, nothing beats a Malayalee favourite: Malabar Parotta served with rich, flavourful curries. This versatile flatbread is an absolute delight, pairing beautifully with spicy curries for a hearty and satisfying meal.
For meat lovers, pair the flaky parottas with classic Kerala beef dishes like Beef Vindaloo or Beef Ularthiyathu. Not a fan of beef? Take a culinary detour to Tamil Nadu and serve Parotta with Chicken Salna or Prawns Gravy – it's a combo that’s sure to please the crowd!
Discover more ways to serve Parotta! Click here for additional Curry Recipes.
Not everyone in the family loves meat, so it’s a good idea to include vegetarian side dishes that complement both Appam and Parotta. For a crowd-pleasing vegetarian option, serve Vegetable Kuruma or Paneer Bhurji alongside these breads. These dishes are packed with flavour and make great alternatives for vegetarian guests.
Explore more vegetarian sides for Appam & Parotta! Click here for additional recipes.
No festive menu in a Kerala household(specificaaly in our houshold) is complete without a mouth-watering biriyani course! While lunch spreads in Kerala are traditionally elaborate, featuring Kerala red rice, nadan varutharacha curry, succulent duck roast, and rich Beef Ularthiyathu with coconut bits, biriyani has carved its own special place on the table, especially during celebrations.
When it comes to festivities, Thalassery Chicken Biriyani stands out as a family favourite, when it comes to a typical Kerala Style Biriyani. This fragrant, spice-infused rice and chicken dish with its unique Kerala touch is a feast on its own. Serve it as the highlight of your lunch course, and you’re sure to impress.
Add the authentic flavour of Kerala to your Christmas or New Year menu with Thalassery Chicken Biriyani. This aromatic biriyani is crafted with fragrant spices, tender chicken, and the signature short-grain rice that makes Thalassery biriyani so unique. Perfect for a festive gathering, this biriyani will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Looking for more Biriyani or Pulao Recipes or Side Dish inspirations? Check out our dedicated posts!
Nadan Mutton Curry - A spicy, rich, and aromatic Kerala-style mutton curry, the perfect side for Thalassery Chicken Dum Biriyani!
Garlic Egg Roast - A flavourful Kerala-style spiced egg roast with garlic, a wonderful side for any festive biriyani spread.
Enhance your biriyani experience with Kerala-style side dishes that add depth and variety to the meal. Pair your Thalassery Chicken Biriyani with these delicious sides:
Onion Challas/Sarlas - A tangy onion and vinegar mix that cuts through the richness of the biriyani, adding a zesty note to each bite.
Curd Onion Raitha - Smooth and creamy, this curd and onion raitha is a soothing accompaniment to the spicy biriyani.
Pineapple Cucumber & Onion Salad - A refreshing and cooling balance to the spiced biriyani.
No biriyani course is complete without refreshing, cooling raithas to balance the heat. Serve any of these classic Kerala raithas alongside:
For more festive meal inspirations, visit a collection of Christmas and New Year Recipes.
For a Keralite, it would be unthinkable to serve a celebratory meal without featuring fish or seafood. We’re coastal people with a deep love for the ocean’s bounty, and a Kerala-style Christmas party simply isn't complete without rice served alongside spicy fish curry, crispy fish fries, or a prawns masala that packs a punch.
Choose from a variety of rice options to accompany your fish and seafood dishes:
Choose from a variety of rice options to accompany your fish and seafood dishes:
For a detailed step-by step guide on How to Cook Different Varieties of Rice, click here
Bring authentic Kerala flavours to the table with these beloved seafood sides, perfect with steamed rice.
For more mouthwatering Seafood Recipes, click here and dive into Kerala’s coastal cuisine.
Add a balance of freshness and zest to the meal with these popular vegetable sides.
A Kerala Christian feast wouldn’t be complete without a touch of green. Vegetables are given their due with dishes like thorans (stir-fried vegetables) and mezhukkupuratti (vegetables stir-fried with coconut oil). Here are some must-haves:
Vegetable lover? Click here to explore more Kerala-style vegetable dishes to complement your feast.
End your festive meal with soothing and digestive accompaniments – Rasam, Curd, and Sambharam – perfect for a well-rounded experience.
Finish off the rice course with Rasam, or a serving of Curd. These dishes not only round out the meal but also help in digestion, a fitting end to the hearty fourth course. Choose for the tangy, spiced Rasam or simple and refreshing Pacha Moru/Sambharam to complete your meal. Or if you love thick Curd, serve a fresh homemade curd to balance your meal.
No Kerala meal is complete without crunchy Pappadam and a variety of tangy pickles. These sides bring texture and a burst of flavour to every bite.
Want to learn how to make your own Pickles at home? Click here for the recipe.
No Kerala-style feast is complete without a delightful dessert to end on a sweet note. Traditionally, Payasam takes centre stage in most homes, but for a twist on the classics, why not try a variety of desserts that can be prepared in advance and ready to serve? These options bring a delicious finish to your festive table and can be stored ahead of time, making your hosting smooth and stress-free.
Apple Pie
Pear Crumble
Kulfi Falooda
Lychee Pudding
Dessert Recipes for Every Festive Occasion! Looking for more dessert inspirations? Explore Dessert Recipes to find the perfect sweet endings for any celebration!
After indulging in a typical, hearty lunch, it’s only natural to sink into a post-meal coma. But before you drift off, someone will surely offer a round of coffee or tea—accompanied by an irresistible lineup of nadan palaharams (traditional snacks) to elevate your tea time to a whole new level. After all, it's a celebration, and we’ve got the snacks to prove it!
This delightful list will have you drifting into another food coma, but don’t worry—just when you think you’re done, it’s time for round two! Dinner is calling with even more irresistible dishes to keep the celebrations going.
Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand feast, these Christmas & New Year’s Eve Recipes are sure to impress. From homemade wines to traditional fruit cakes, appetizers, and desserts, this curated menu has everything you need to treat your guests to a memorable feast.
Here’s what’s in store for your party:
Let this menu bring joy and celebration to your table!
Are you ready to create a festive feast that will have everyone raving? Look no further than my exclusive collection of Christmas & New Year recipes—handpicked and tested for that perfect holiday touch. These recipes are more than just food; they’re about creating lasting memories with family and friends.
Get your party started with the most-loved recipes of the season:
So, why wait? Start planning your menu now and make this holiday season the most memorable one yet. Browse through the recipes, get inspired, and let the food do the talking!
May your celebrations be filled with love, laughter, and, of course, fantastic food.
Want more festive recipes?
Click here to explore the full Christmas/New Year Recipe Collection and make your celebration even more spectacular. Don't forget to share your creations with us—we'd love to hear your thoughts and see your culinary masterpieces!
Cheers to a Merry Merry Christmas & a Delicious New Year!!!
Essence of Life - Food is all about daily cooking with a simple sense of taste and health. It is all about food. Not a day goes by without eating for most of us, so what we eat matters on the whole. Food in the mode of goodness increases the duration of life, purifies one's existence, and gives strength, health, happiness, and satisfaction. Above all ingredients, the most vital one in my kitchen is love.
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Indulge in Kerala’s Culinary Heritage: Traditional Onam Sadhya Recipes, with Expert Serving Tips! Celebrate Onam the authentic way! Discover 25 timeless Kerala Sadya recipes in my ebook. From avial to payasam, bring home the flavours of tradition. Available now on Amazon!
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