a portuguese layer cake, with a single serve in forground

baking

People are often surprised that baking is part of Indian cuisine. The Portuguese and the Raj inspired some wonderful dishes.

Importantly, the recipes do not always use wheat flour, making many of these recipes suitable for those on a gluten-free diet.

Goan layer cake

Goan layer cake

This layer cake from Goa, bebinca, is a splendid example of the Portuguese bakers’ legacy.

Raj christmas cake

Raj christmas cake

Christmas was a big deal during the days of the Raj, This christmas cake recipe is from then and is surprisingly gluten-free. Dried tropical fruit, almond meal and coconut flour create a wonderful fruit cake, suitable for today.

dinner rolls

dinner rolls

These bread rolls, pão, come from the Portuguese influence on Indian cuisine. They are very similar to Western bread rolls, but have a subtle Indian twist.

Goan prawn cake

Goan prawn cake

This Goan dish, apa de camarao, has a wonderful taste combination - a hot, savoury and slightly sweet filling of prawn, baked inside a sweet coconut cake.