Sorpotel Alchemy and Resolutions: Crafting Tradition & Commitments

As the first month of 2024 unfolds, the ephemeral enchantment and sparkle of New Year celebrations fade away. The once vibrant adornments of Christmas—the tree, crib, fairy lights, and decorations—succumb to being dismantled, folded, wrapped, and stowed away, patiently awaiting the next festive season. Amidst the passage of various festivals and public holidays, a contemplative journey ensues. I find myself grappling with the profound task of actualising my New Year resolutions. A moment of introspection reveals a parallel narrative—much like the annual ritual of unveiling and hanging Christmas decorations, there exists a resolution from seven years past, a testament to endurance amidst the passage of time.

In the trenches of a work-laden existence, knee-deep in the uncertainties of my career’s trajectory, I found myself immersed without a clear destination in sight. When the year-end festivities unfolded I found myself sometimes submerged in work and sometimes amidst the serene ambiance of ashrams, snowy hilltops, or tranquil beaches—a quest to discover the essence of my being. In other years, the passage of time intertwined with moments shared among friends, attempting to attain highs, striving for societal approval, and seeking seamless integration. Amidst the labyrinth of self-discovery and wandering, seven years hence, a profound realisation emerged. A quiet call reverberated, beckoning me back to my roots. It prompted a shift, urging me to spend Christmas time with my family, fostering a celebration steeped in authenticity and the joy of preparing and savoring the food that holds a special place in my heart

Growing up, Christmas and New Year were like a blockbuster family reunion – parents, grandparents, siblings, uncles, aunties, cousins, a whole squad, and even the nosy village folks, all squeezing in somewhere during the Christmas week. The festivities kicked off a week or two before Christmas with a symphony of firecrackers and the epic creation of Kuswar, a Goan sweet assortment that could make Willy Wonka jealous—neurio, vodde, kulkul, mandare, dodol, bebinca, gons, and more. We’d swap these goodies with close family and the families of dear departed souls in the parish.

Amidst this sugary chaos, we’d sprinkle some Christmas tree magic, set up a crib that could rival Hollywood sets, and drape fairy lights all over the veranda. Then, cue the grand Christmas Eve midnight mass, followed by a feast that could challenge any food competition – pulao, pork vindaloo, gizad, beef and pork, assado, recheado fish, xacuti, sorpotel, roulad, salad, sanna, pao… you get the idea. The revelry extended into the new year until the decorations begged for mercy and came down, usually around the Feast of Epiphany. For me Sorpotel, embraced in perfect harmony with sanna, wove a culinary enchantment that not only delighted my palate but also irresistibly pulled me into its flavorful allure.

While modern science has made significant strides in elucidating human behavior, certain aspects remain enigmatic. Our actions are often shaped by a combination of learned behaviours, personal preferences, and inherent attractions. Initiating with our innate desires and aspirations, we embark on a journey of learning, gradually evolving into experts in our chosen pursuits. As proficiency is achieved, our activities seamlessly transition into habits, some of which persist as mere routines, while others transform into cherished rituals. Yet, amid this intricate tapestry of human behaviour, there linger aspects for which we still lack definitive answers.

Begin the preparation of Sorpotel by washing and boiling the meat to perfection. After allowing it to cool, chop the meat into delectable cubes and sauté them to golden perfection. In the same pan, brown finely chopped onions and introduce a harmonious blend of masala. Combine the meat, season with salt, add tamarind water, a touch of sugar, and a splash of coconut feni for an exquisite finish. Let this culinary masterpiece mature for two days, allowing the flavors to intertwine before the grand feast.