Christmas is one of the most important and joyful holidays in Mexico, and food plays a huge role in the celebrations. Mexican cuisine is rich in flavor, color, and tradition, making it an essential part of any Christmas celebration. When I speak with friends about what I normally eat during Christmas, they always tell me something like: “that sounds cool but very unusual…” So I thought I’ll share some of the food we make (or buy!) when I celebrate Christmas in Mexico, and then I’ll share food that is normally served for a traditional Christmas dinner.
Stuffed peppers with spicy creamy chicken
I am not going to write the detailed recipes, but it’s basically shredded chicken cooked with diced onion and garlic and a creamy spicy sauce made with cream cheese, chipotle and a little bit of veggie stock powder. Although we used various colours of peppers, I preffer the orage ones because they are more sweet. Avoid the green ones, they are better for other recipes.
Spicy tuna tostadas
This is a very simple dish, if you live in Mexico, you can buy tuna for ‘sashimi’ as the base ingredient, also crispy onion, chipotle mayonaisse and I made a sauce by melting goat’s cheese with some milk and onion powder. Add sliced avocado and decorate with coriander or parsley.
Goat’s salad from Costco
This is just the salad they sell in Costco, I think it’s a great option and it goes with a lot of dishes!
Traditional dishes
Tamales: Tamales are one of the most traditional and beloved Christmas dishes in Mexico. They are made by wrapping a mixture of masa (corn dough) and various fillings (such as chicken, cheese, or fruit) in a corn husk and steaming them until they are cooked through. Tamales are often served with a variety of sauces and garnishes, such as salsa or avocado, and are a staple at Christmas gatherings and parties. Check my recipe for vegan tamales!
Bacalao a la Vizcaína: Bacalao a la Vizcaína is a delicious fish dish made from salt cod, tomatoes, onions, olives, and capers. This dish is typically prepared on Christmas Eve and is served with potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Bacalao a la Vizcaína is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for the cold weather that is common during the Christmas season in Mexico.
Ponche: Ponche is a warm, fruity drink that is made by boiling a mixture of fruits, spices, and sugar. Some common ingredients include apples, pears, guavas, cinnamon, and cloves. This drink is traditionally served as a dessert or a warm beverage to enjoy after a meal. Ponche is a sweet and comforting way to end a Christmas meal and is perfect for sipping while gathering around the fire with loved ones.
Pozole: Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup that is made from hominy (dried maize kernels) and seasoned with chili pepper, garlic, and other spices. This soup is often garnished with fresh cilantro, chopped onions, lime wedges, and shredded lettuce, making it a hearty and flavorful dish. Pozole is a staple during the Christmas season in Mexico and is often served as a starter or a main course.
Romeritos: This is a traditional Mexican dish served during Christmas. It is made from a type of seaweed known as “romeritos,” which is native to Mexico and resembles sprigs of rosemary. It is typically cooked with shrimp and other ingredients such as potatoes, pasilla chili peppers, and epazote. The dish is often served with mole sauce, a rich and flavorful sauce made from chili peppers, spices, and chocolate. I normally prefer to make romeritos with shredded chicken and I know a lot o people do, but that’s not the ‘traditional’ recipe.