Christmas time in Mexican culture is about our loved ones. That is why food plays such an important part of the festivities. It is a feast that begins in the eyes with its vibrant colors, through the mouth and soul with its lavish flavors. Our celebrations aren’t complete without family and friends sharing a meal together ― and a few tequilas― to keep body and soul warm.
Enjoy one of our favorite holidays the way we do, with the following ideas either on Christmas Eve ―Noche Buena― or Christmas Day. These Mexican Christmas food ideas will make your tummy happy!
Entrée.
Mexican Christmas Salad or Ensalada de Nochebuena
This salad is traditionally served at dinnertime on Christmas Eve. It has an amazing flavor and a beautiful combination of colors with its reds, greens, and whites. Although many variations exist, three main ingredients are at its foundation: beets, pomegranate, and jicama. Past these three, additions may include arugula or lettuce, carrots, apples, bananas, oranges or tangerines, and pecans or peanuts.
Find this recipe here:
https://www.recetasgratis.net/Receta-de-Ensalada-nochebuena-receta-10114.html
Tamales
Tamales are at the heart and soul of every Mexican Christmas tradition and are considered a special holiday food. This amazing dish can be made from cornmeal masa and filled with a variety of meats, mole, cheeses, vegetables or spices. Some people prefer sweet tamales, which are made with sugar, and filled with fruits or jam, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed. Making tamales is definitely a labor of love as they take quite a considerable amount of time to prepare, but your palate will tell you it was very well worth the wait!
Photo from: https://www.dondeir.com
Find tamales recipes at: https://www.recetasgratis.net/busqueda?q=tamales
Pozole
These is the ultimate remedy for the hangover and one of the most traditional Mexican soups. Pozole is made with chicken or pork, seasoned with chiles. It requires up to five hours of cooking time. Since this traditional food is made in large batches, it is a perfect food for large crowds and will leave everyone feeling full, happy and with a runny nose.
https://www.recetasgratis.net/busqueda?q=pozole+rojo
Pechuga de pavo con relleno de nogada, pan de mole y salsa de arándano
Turkey breast with nogada filling, mole breadcrums and cranberry sauce
Perhaps the most exquisite of all dishes in the Mexican cuisine. Rich, brown, and commonly served with turkey, there are several stories of how mole was invented. Some say it originated due ta an accident since a Frail named Pascual accidentally dropped an entire tray of spices into his pot, a more florid version gives the credit to a Dominican nun named Sor Andrea de la Asunción, who was preparing a stew made with of puréed roasted chiles, cinnamon, pepper, cilantro, sesame seeds and turkey broth. After tasting it, she and decided to add some chocolate, which, according to the legend, made that dish of indescribable flavor. One way, or another, there is no way to go wrong with mole and turkey
Find this récipe at: http://recetasd.com/recipe/pechuga-de-pavo-con-relleno-de-nogada-pan-de-mole-y-salsa-de-arandano/
For more Mexican spices visit spicentice
Bacalao a la Vizcaina
A combination of dried, salted codfish and olives the Spanish carried on their voyages and other ingredients available to them, such as potatoes, chile, and tomatoes. In Mexico. This is the ultimate, stew with surprising, delicious flavors. Though recipes will often vary from region to region this meal will win over even the coldest of hearts… So imagine your Christmas guests.
Find the recipe here: http://lossaboresdemexico.com/bacalao-a-la-vizcaina-estilo-mexico/
Mexican Christmas Desserts
Buñuelos
this sweet treat is made of a yeast dough then either rolled into thin sheets or left as dough balls. They are then fried until light and crispy, then sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. For added decadence, buñuelos can also be doused in chocolate syrup, caramel or enjoyed with a sweet jelly. This Mexican Christmas dessert is a family favorite around Christmastime. Enjoy it with a nice hot cocoa or a delicious cup of coffee.
Photo and récipe from: https://www.mexicoenmicocina.com/como-hacer-bunuelos-mexicanos/
Rosca de Reyes
Even thou this rich, lavish desert is typically served on January 6th the day of the “Reyes Magos” you might find it available in a bakery near you since the early days of Christmas. Old or young, us, in Mexico, we cheat and almost never wait to that date for that astounding taste of the sweet cakes. Besides, in Mexican tradition, each cake is filled with small figurines of the baby Jesus. This represents the Holy Family’s journey. Whomever shall find the baby Jesus is said to be blessed and is required to host a dinner with tamales, to share in his good fortune.
If you find yourself in Mexico this Christmas, enjoy the culinary experience of these amazing dishes! If not, well, why not prepare them yourself?
From The Yucatan Times, we wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas!
