15+ Cuban Christmas Eve Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!

Published on: Mar 4, 2024

Christmas Eve is a special occasion for many families around the world, and in Cuba, it is no exception. In fact, the Cuban Christmas Eve tradition is a blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, making it a unique and flavorful celebration. One of the most important aspects of this holiday is the food, and there is one traditional recipe that cannot be missed - lechon asado, or roasted pork. This mouthwatering dish is a staple on every Cuban Christmas Eve table and is sure to delight your taste buds with its bold and savory flavors. Let's dive into the history and recipe of this beloved dish.

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1 of 20

Cuban Picadillo

Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Tomato, Pepper, Cilantro, Lean Ground

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If you're looking for a unique and flavorful twist on the classic beer can chicken, look no further than this Cuban-inspired recipe for Cuban Picadillo. This dish combines ground beef, spices, and raisins for a sweet and savory filling that will take your beer can chicken to the next level.

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Cuban Flank Steak

Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Fresh Lime Juice, Olive Oil, Ground Cumin

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For a heartier version of beer can chicken, try using a flank steak instead. Marinated in a traditional Cuban blend of citrus, garlic, and herbs, this dish is bursting with flavor and perfect for a summer cookout. And the best part? You can use the leftover marinade to baste your beer can chicken for an extra punch of flavor.

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Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork

Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Orange Zest, Fresh Orange

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Another Cuban classic, this mojo marinated pork is a delicious and unique option for your beer can chicken. The tangy and citrusy flavors of the marinade pair perfectly with the smoky flavors of the beer can chicken. Serve with some black beans and rice for a complete Cuban feast.

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White Christmas Mojito.

Main Ingredients: Lime, Mint Leaves, Sugar, White Rum, Coconut Rum

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Who says beer can chicken has to be limited to savory flavors? This festive White Christmas Mojito recipe is perfect for the holidays and adds a refreshing twist to your usual beer can chicken. Made with white rum, coconut milk, and cranberry juice, this mojito will make your beer can chicken stand out at any holiday party.

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Crema de Vie (Cuban Eggnog)

Main Ingredients: Water, Granulated Sugar, Evaporated Milk, Sweetened

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For a unique and delicious dessert to go with your beer can chicken, try making this traditional Cuban eggnog, Crema de Vie. Made with condensed and evaporated milk, rum, and spices, this creamy and boozy drink is the perfect end to a Cuban-inspired meal.

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Cuban Coffee Truffles

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, White Chocolate Chips, Heavy Cream

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Take your beer can chicken to the next level with these decadent Cuban coffee truffles. Made with dark chocolate, heavy cream, and Cuban coffee, these truffles are the perfect combination of bitter and sweet. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a luxurious and indulgent meal.

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Crema de Vie (Cuban Egg Nog)

Main Ingredients: Sweetened Condensed Milk, Evaporated Milk, Egg Yolks

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If you're not a fan of traditional eggnog, try this Cuban version made with eggs, condensed milk, and rum. It's a perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken and adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.

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Cuban Empanadas

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Green Pepper, Red

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For a fun and unique twist on beer can chicken, try making these Cuban empanadas. Filled with a delicious blend of ground beef, spices, and olives, these handheld pies are perfect for a party or a quick lunch. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a complete Cuban meal.

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Cuban Sliders

Main Ingredients: Slider Rolls, Yellow Mustard, Deli Turkey, Deli Ham

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If you're serving a crowd, these Cuban sliders are a perfect option. Made with mini buns, pulled pork, and a zesty mustard sauce, these sliders are packed with flavor and make for a great appetizer or main dish. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a fun and tasty meal.

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Cuban Sandwich

Main Ingredients: Cuban Bread, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Mustard, Ham

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For a classic Cuban meal, you can't go wrong with a Cuban sandwich. Made with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles, this sandwich is packed with flavor and perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and authentic Cuban meal.

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Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork

Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Orange Juice

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If you want the flavors of Cuban mojo pork without the hassle of grilling, try making it in your slow cooker. This recipe combines all the classic flavors of a Cuban marinade and slow cooks the pork to tender perfection. Serve the mojo pork alongside your beer can chicken for a mouthwatering meal.

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Cuban Arroz con Pollo - Chicken & Rice

Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Olive Oil

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This traditional Cuban dish is a perfect side dish to serve with your beer can chicken. Made with chicken, rice, and a blend of spices, this flavorful and hearty dish is a staple in Cuban cuisine. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a complete and delicious meal.

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15-Minute Cuban Black Beans

Main Ingredients: Black Beans, Small Onion, Garlic Cloves, Cumin

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If you're short on time but still want to incorporate some Cuban flavors into your beer can chicken, try making these quick and easy Cuban black beans. Ready in just 15 minutes, these beans are packed with spices and make for a great side dish or topping for your beer can chicken.

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Cuban Grilled Zucchini

Main Ingredients: Zucchinis, Cilantro, Butter, Smoked Paprika, Chili

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Add some veggies to your beer can chicken with this simple and flavorful grilled zucchini recipe. Marinated in a blend of garlic, lime, and spices, these zucchini slices make for a perfect side dish or topping for your beer can chicken.

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My Cuban mother in law’s “killer” Xmas Lechon Asado

Main Ingredients: Pork Leg, Sour Orange Juice, Garlic, Oregano, Cumin

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This traditional Cuban roasted pork, also known as lechon asado, is a must-try for any fan of Cuban cuisine. Marinated in a blend of citrus, garlic, and spices, this pork is roasted to perfection and makes for a delicious addition to your beer can chicken feast.

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Cuban Sweet Plantains (Maduros)

Main Ingredients: Plantains, Oil

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Sweet plantains, or maduros, are a staple in Cuban cuisine and make for a delicious side dish to pair with your beer can chicken. Simply fried in butter and sprinkled with sugar, these plantains add a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors of the chicken.

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Cuban Beef Picadillo

Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves

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If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try making this Cuban beef picadillo. Made with ground beef, spices, and olives, this dish is packed with flavor and makes for a great topping for your beer can chicken.

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Baked Cuban Chicken

Main Ingredients: Bone In Chicken Thighs, Cilantro Leaves, Orange Zest

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If you're not a fan of grilling, try making this delicious baked Cuban chicken instead. Marinated in a blend of citrus, garlic, and spices, this chicken is cooked to juicy perfection in the oven. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a complete and flavorful meal.

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Ropa vieja Cubana (Cuban Shredded beef)

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Skirt Steak, Bay Leaves, Green Bell Pepper

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For a unique and delicious topping for your beer can chicken, try making this traditional Cuban dish of shredded beef, or ropa vieja. Cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce and served over rice, this dish adds a touch of Cuban flair to any meal.

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Cuban Pork Chops

Main Ingredients: Orange Juice, Lime Juice, Small Yellow Onion, Garlic

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For a simple and delicious main dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try these Cuban pork chops. Marinated in a blend of spices and cooked to juicy perfection, these chops are a perfect addition to any Cuban-inspired meal.

The History of Lechon Asado

The Origins of Roasting Pork on Christmas Eve

The tradition of roasting a whole pig on Christmas Eve can be traced back to Spain, where it was a popular dish for special occasions and celebrations. When the Spanish colonized Cuba, they brought this tradition with them, and it quickly became a beloved part of Cuban culture. Over time, the dish evolved to incorporate African and Caribbean flavors, creating the unique and mouthwatering lechon asado we know today.

The Significance of Lechon Asado on Christmas Eve

In Cuba, Christmas Eve is known as "Nochebuena," which translates to "Good Night." This name comes from the religious significance of the holiday, as it is believed to be the night that Jesus was born. As a predominantly Catholic country, Cubans celebrate this night with a big feast, and lechon asado is always the star of the show. The roasted pork represents the abundance and prosperity of the coming year, making it an essential part of the holiday celebration.

The Recipe for Lechon Asado

Ingredients

To make this delicious dish, you will need a whole pig, garlic, sour oranges, salt, pepper, and oregano. The pig is traditionally cooked over an open fire, but you can also use a roasting pan in the oven. The key to the rich and flavorful taste of lechon asado is the sour orange marinade, which gives the pork a tangy and citrusy flavor.

Preparation

To prepare the pig, it is first marinated in a mixture of garlic, sour orange juice, and spices for at least 24 hours. Then, it is roasted for several hours until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender and juicy. The result is a succulent and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Serving

Lechon asado is typically served with traditional Cuban sides such as black beans, rice, and plantains. It can also be accompanied by a variety of sauces, including mojo (a mixture of garlic, olive oil, and sour orange juice) and chimichurri (a blend of parsley, garlic, and olive oil). The combination of the crispy skin and juicy meat, along with the tangy and savory flavors, makes this dish a true delight for the senses.

In Conclusion

Lechon asado is more than just a dish - it is a symbol of the rich and diverse culture of Cuba and a cherished part of their Christmas Eve celebration. With its unique blend of flavors and rich history, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add some Cuban flair to their holiday feast. So why not give it a try this Christmas Eve and impress your loved ones with this mouthwatering and traditional dish.