Sunday, August 22, 2021
Portuguese influence on Indian food
The arrival of Europeans changed the landscape of Indian culinary arts. Indian food was introduced to the vast collection of cooking. When the Portuguese began trading with the Indians, they brought with them an assortment of different spices and vegetables to the country. Apart from this they started influencing the entire Indian culture as well as the food habit. Portuguese influence on Indian food was seen from the 1498s when Vasco da Gama entered India. The visit of the Portuguese to India has brought about significant changes in the cuisine of Goa. Goan cuisine reflects Portuguese influence on Indian cuisine. Taste includes pungent, spicy and savory dishes.
The cooking style of the Portuguese has shaped the repertoire of Goan cuisine. Goa is the place where three major communities in India, namely Hindus, Christians and Muslims reside. This confluence of all religions with foreign influence has contributed to the local cuisine. Portuguese influence on Indian food is displayed in the handling of exotic fruits and roots such as potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkins, aubergine, cashews, peppers, papayas, passion fruit, pineapple and guava. Turmeric ground with various herbs such as coriander, red and dried chilies, garlic, and vinegar completes the Portuguese recipe as much as the Goan cuisine. Portuguese influence also includes the consumption of sweets. Indo-Portuguese recipes of sweets like dados da dama, patas de freiras, pestis de natas, pasteis de Santa Clara are found in Goa. These sweets are popular as sweets in the Christian communities of Goa. Portuguese influence on Indian food was popularized during the reign of Alfonso de Albuquerque. The mixed marriage policy or politica dos casamentos has influenced the food habits of mixed castes. Food items like bread, meat and vinegar were brought to Goa by the Portuguese. After the Portuguese came to India, there was a change in the food and cuisine.