Sign In
Learn bits
History & Culture
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

More Related Current Affairs View All

20 Sep

Cabinet clears setting up of National Centre of Excellence in Mumbai for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality

'The Government has recently said that the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comic (AVGC) sector has the potential to provide employment to over 20 lakh people in the coming 10

Read More

20 Sep

Mini-moon

'According to a new study, the Earth’s gravitational field will temporarily capture a small asteroid, called 2024 PT5, in late September.' The asteroid will stay for two m

Read More

19 Sep

Cabinet clears development of Next Generation of satellite Launch Vehicle

'The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).' The NGLV is set to significantly enhance Ind

Read More

India’s First Ai-Driven Magazine Generator

Generate Your Custom Current Affairs Magazine using our AI in just 3 steps