Bebinca is a traditional Goan dessert renowned for its rich, layered texture and delightful flavors. Made with coconut milk, eggs, sugar, and spices like nutmeg and cardamom, Bebinca is baked layer by layer until golden brown. Each slice reveals a symphony of sweetness and aromatic spices, making it a cherished delicacy often served during festive occasions in Goa.
Here’s a detailed recipe for making Bebinca:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 8 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg powder
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter), for greasing
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease a round cake pan or baking dish with ghee and set aside.
- Make the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk, eggs, and sugar. Beat the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add the nutmeg powder and cardamom powder to the batter and mix well until smooth.
- Layering the Bebinca:
- Pour a thin layer of the batter into the greased cake pan or baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the first layer for about 5-7 minutes or until it sets and turns lightly golden brown.
- Once the first layer is done, remove the pan from the oven and pour another layer of the batter over the cooked layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake again until the second layer sets and turns golden brown.
- Repeat the process, layering the batter and baking until all the batter is used up, and you have multiple layers of Bebinca. Traditionally, Bebinca has around 7 to 9 layers, but you can adjust according to your preference.
- Final Baking:
- After adding all the layers, bake the Bebinca in the preheated oven for an additional 20-25 minutes or until it’s fully cooked and the top is golden brown. You can insert a toothpick into the center to check for doneness – if it comes out clean, the Bebinca is ready.
- Cooling and Serving:
- Once baked, remove the Bebinca from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes.
- Carefully transfer the Bebinca to a serving plate and let it cool completely before slicing it into squares or wedges.
- Serve the Bebinca warm or at room temperature, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey.
Enjoy the rich and flavorful Bebinca as a delightful dessert, perfect for celebrating special occasions or enjoying with friends and family!
