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Bebinca: A Goan Delight That Will Make You Go “Wah!”

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Chef Curry Do’pyaza

Bebinca: A Goan Delight That Will Make You Go “Wah!”

Namaste and Borem Diaz, my food-loving friends! Chef Curry Do’pyaza here, ready to whisk you away on a culinary adventure to the sunny shores of Goa. Today, we’re diving deep into the delicious world of Bebinca, a layered Goan dessert that’s as rich in flavor as it is in history.

Bebinca isn’t just a sweet treat; it’s a symbol of celebration. You’ll find it gracing tables during Christmas, Easter, and other festive occasions in Goa. It’s also a popular sweet to gift to family and friends during weddings and other happy events. Imagine the joy of sharing this delectable dessert with your loved ones!

A Slice of History

The origins of Bebinca are shrouded in a bit of mystery, like a good Bollywood plot twist! Legend has it that a nun named Bebiana at the Convent of Santa Monica in Old Goa created this layered wonder. She used the convent’s resources to whip up this sweet treat. Initially, it had seven layers, representing the Seven Hills of Lisbon. Over time, the recipe evolved, and today, you’ll find Bebincas with anywhere from 7 to 16 layers!

Get Ready to Bake: The Recipe

This recipe might seem a little involved, but trust me, the end result is worth every minute. Let’s get started!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 60-90 minutes

Ingredients:

  • Coconut Milk: 2 cups (Naral ka Doodh) – Use thick, creamy coconut milk for the best results.
  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (Maida) – This forms the base of our layers.
  • Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (Cheeni) – For that perfect sweetness. Adjust to your taste!
  • Ghee: 1/2 cup (Shuddh Ghee) – The golden nectar that adds richness and flavor.
  • Egg Yolks: 6 – These give the Bebinca its signature custard-like texture.
  • Nutmeg Powder: 1/4 teaspoon (Jaiphal Powder) – A pinch of warm spice to elevate the flavor.

Instructions:

  1. Mix it Up: In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, all-purpose flour, and sugar until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
  2. Golden Goodness: Add the melted ghee and nutmeg powder to the batter. Mix well to combine.
  3. Egg-cellent Addition: Gently whisk in the egg yolks, one at a time, ensuring each yolk is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  4. First Layer Magic: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (around 8-inch round) with ghee. Pour a thin layer of the batter into the dish, just enough to cover the bottom.
  5. Broil Time: Place the dish under the broiler (high heat) for 3-5 minutes, or until the top layer turns a beautiful golden brown. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!
  6. Layer by Layer: Remove the dish from the oven and pour another thin layer of batter over the browned layer. Return it to the broiler and repeat the process.
  7. Patience is Key: Continue layering and broiling until you’ve used up all the batter. Remember, each layer should be thin and evenly browned.
  8. The Final Touch: For the last layer, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s cooked through.
  9. Cool and Serve: Let the Bebinca cool completely before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set properly.

Tips for Best Results:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Make sure your oven is preheated properly.
  • Keep a close eye on the Bebinca while broiling to prevent burning.
  • Let the Bebinca cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, even layers.
  • Patience is your best friend! Don’t rush the layering process.

Different Ways to Cook Bebinca:

  • Gas Stove: You can use a heavy-bottomed pan on the stovetop, cooking each layer on low heat with a lid on. This requires extra attention to prevent burning.
  • Induction Stove: Similar to the gas stove method, use a compatible pan and cook on low heat.
  • Oven: This is the most common method, providing even heat for perfect layers.
  • Microwave: Not recommended, as it’s difficult to achieve even layers and browning.
  • Air Fryer: You can try baking individual layers in the air fryer, but it might require some experimentation with time and temperature.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):

  • Calories: 300-400
  • Fat: 20-30g
  • Carbohydrates: 30-40g
  • Protein: 5-7g

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve Bebinca warm or at room temperature.
  • Enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Pair it with a cup of hot chai or coffee for the perfect indulgence.

So there you have it, folks! My secret to making a stunning Bebinca. Now, it’s your turn to bring this delicious dessert to life in your own kitchen. Try this recipe at home and share it with your friends and family. They’ll be saying “Wah!” in no time! Happy cooking!