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Mahesh

25/06/24 06:15 AM IST

Dodol, the Goan sweet

In News
  • Recently, Goa government formally applied for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the Goan sweet called Dodol. 
About Dodol
  • Dodol is a classic Goan sweet that is often called a cousin of Bebinca, the ‘Queen of Goan desserts’.
  • Dark brownish in colour, it is made using rice flour, coconut milk and black palm jaggery, and has a firm, jelly-like texture.
  • For preparing Dodol, a mixture of rice flour, coconut milk and black palm jaggery is cooked in a copper vessel on a slow fire and stirred continuously with a wooden ladle.
  • Once ready, the mixture is poured into a vessel greased with ghee and flattened with banana leaves.
  • After letting it cool down, it is cut into thin slices.
  • Dodol is unique in Goa because of the ingredients and method of preparation. During the entire cooking process, it must be constantly stirred, otherwise it burns.”
  • Historically, it was prepared by Christian households during Christmas for ‘consoada’ (confectionaries sent to relatives and neighbours).
  • Over time, apart from festivities, Dodol has become a quintessential part of Goa’s multi-cultural culinary history.
  • Dodol and its variations are also popular in southern India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and parts of Southeast Asia.
History & Significance
  • The exact origins of the dish remain disputed.
  • Some scholars claim a traditional version of the sweet was served in the royal banquets in the Medang Kingdom of Indonesia between the 8th and 11th centuries.
  • Another variation of Dodol likely originated in the early 20th century when Indonesia was under Dutch colonial rule.
  • In Goa, it is believed that the sweet was introduced during Portuguese rule in the coastal state during the 17th century.
  • Goan dodol has a unique sweet flavour of Goan pyramid jaggery and a luscious creamy taste of fresh coconut milk.
  • The rice flour is the binder of this sweet halwa. Aligned with various cultures, both Bebinca and Dodol share Goan-Portuguese history and have travelled to various South Asian countries transforming themselves into different forms.”
  • Dodol is [traditionally] prepared in a big cauldron named ‘kail’ which comes as part of the dowry.
  • Another belief is that if one borrows ‘kail’ from someone, it has to be returned along with Dodol as a form of gratitude.
GI tag
  • A GI tag is conferred upon products originating from a specific geographical region and signifying unique characteristics and qualities.
  • It serves as a trademark in the international market, protecting the creators from impersonation and helping the customers purchase authentic items.
  •  A GI tag for Dodol will help in bringing in standardisation of traditional methods, practices and quality and to ensure its authenticity.
Source- Indian Express

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