Mexican Christmas food is known for its rich and flavorful dishes, with each region having its own unique specialties. From tamales to pozole, the holiday season in Mexico is filled with delicious and festive meals that bring families and friends together. One of the most popular dishes during this time is the traditional Mexican Christmas turkey, known as "Pavo Navideño". This dish has been passed down for generations and is a staple on every Mexican Christmas table.
Christmas is a time for celebrating with family and friends, and what better way to do that than with some delicious Mexican Christmas food? From traditional dishes to modern twists on classic recipes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, let's take a look at the top 20 Mexican Christmas recipes that will add some spice to your holiday season!
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Layered Mexican Christmas Eve Salad
Main Ingredients: Red Beets, Romaine, Jicama, Navel Oranges, Pomegranate
This colorful and flavorful salad is a must-have on your Christmas menu. Made with layers of lettuce, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and a creamy dressing, it's a refreshing and healthy addition to your holiday spread. Mexican Christmas Eve Salad is not only delicious but also festive with its red and green colors.
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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Fruit Punch)
Main Ingredients: Water, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Tamarind Pods, Crab
No Mexican Christmas celebration is complete without a cup of Ponche Navideño. This warm and comforting drink is made with a variety of fruits, spices, and a touch of rum for a little kick. It's the perfect way to warm up on a chilly winter night and brings the holiday spirit with its sweet and fruity flavors.
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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Fruit Punch)
Main Ingredients: Water, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Tamarind Pods, Crab
Another version of the traditional Christmas salad is the Mexican Christmas Eve Salad. This salad is made with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, and is a symbol of the abundance and prosperity of the holiday season. It's a beautiful and delicious addition to any Christmas table.
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Mexican Christmas Eve Salad (Ensalada de Noche Buena)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Orange Juice, Salt
If you're looking for a main dish that will impress your guests, look no further than Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork. This dish is a fusion of Cuban and Mexican flavors, with a tender and juicy pork roast marinated in a tangy and citrusy mojo sauce. Serve it with some rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Orange Zest, Fresh Orange
This simple yet flavorful Avocado and Tomato Salad is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is a perfect side dish for your Christmas feast. Made with ripe avocados, juicy tomatoes, and dressed with lime juice and cilantro, it's a refreshing and healthy addition to your holiday menu.
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Avocado and Tomato Salad
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, Avocados, Red Onion, Chopped Cilantro, Limes
Add some Mexican flair to your Christmas bread with Mexican Cornbread. This savory and slightly sweet bread is made with cornmeal, cheese, and jalepeños for a spicy kick. It's the perfect accompaniment to any holiday meal and will have your guests asking for the recipe.
No Christmas is complete without some delicious cookies, and these Mexican Chocolate Chip Crinkle Cookies are a must-try. Made with Mexican chocolate, these cookies are rich, fudgy, and have a hint of spice from the addition of cinnamon. They're a perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter night.
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Mexican Chocolate Chip Crinkle Cookies...
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Canola Oil, Eggs, Chocolate Extract
Another festive drink to add to your Christmas menu is Mexican Holiday Fruit Punch. This version of ponche is made with a combination of seasonal fruits, spices, and tequila for a little extra kick. It's a fun and delicious way to celebrate the holidays with a Mexican twist.
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Mexican Holiday Fruit Punch or Ponche
Main Ingredients: Apples, Apple, Oranges, Guavas, Tamarind Pods, Prunes
Every good Mexican meal needs a side of Mexican Rice. This classic dish is made with long-grain rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices for a flavorful and colorful addition to your holiday table. Serve it with some Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork for a perfect pairing.
Nothing beats a warm cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day, and making it from scratch is even better. This Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix has three different variations – original, Mexican, and spiced – so you can choose your favorite or try them all. It's a delicious and indulgent treat to enjoy during the holiday season.
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Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix (Original, Mexican, &...
Main Ingredients: Powdered Milk, Powdered Sugar, Unsweetened Cocoa
For a more casual Christmas dinner option, try making Mexican Street Tacos. These tacos are made with tender and flavorful meat, topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime. They're easy to make and perfect for a large crowd, making them a great option for a holiday party.
If you're looking for a healthier option for your Christmas dinner, this Skinny Mexican Casserole is the perfect choice. Made with lean ground turkey, black beans, corn, and a variety of spices, it's a guilt-free and delicious dish that will satisfy your cravings for Mexican food.
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Skinny Mexican Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
This addictively delicious treat is a must-have on your Christmas dessert table. Christmas Crack is made with a layer of salty crackers, topped with a sweet and buttery toffee, and finished off with a generous layer of chocolate. It's the perfect combination of sweet and salty and will have everyone asking for more.
If you love elotes, then you'll love this Mexican Street Corn Salad. This salad is made with grilled corn, cotija cheese, and a creamy and spicy dressing. It's a perfect side dish to serve with your Christmas dinner or to bring to a holiday potluck.
We can't talk about Mexican Christmas food without mentioning Ponche Navideño again. This warm and comforting drink is a staple at any Mexican Christmas celebration and is made with a variety of fruits, spices, and a touch of tequila for an extra kick. It's a must-try for anyone looking to add some Mexican flair to their holiday festivities.
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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch)
Main Ingredients: Water, Green Apples, Red Apples, Bosc Pears, Sugarcane
These Buñuelos Enmielados are a traditional Mexican Christmas dessert that will have everyone's mouth watering. These crispy and flaky fritters are coated in a sweet and sticky syrup and are a perfect way to end any holiday meal. Serve them with some Mexican Hot Chocolate for a truly indulgent experience.
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Buñuelos Enmielados
Main Ingredients: Anise Seeds, Hot Water, All Purpose Flour, Granulated
Tamales are a classic Mexican dish and are a popular Christmas tradition in many Mexican households. These Beef and Red Chile Tamales are filled with tender and flavorful beef, wrapped in a corn husk, and steamed to perfection. They're a labor of love but are well worth the effort for a delicious and authentic Mexican Christmas dish.
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Beef and Red Chile Tamales
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Chuck, Small White Onions, Garlic Cloves
These Buñuelos de Rodilla are another variation of the traditional Mexican Christmas fritters. They're made with a dough that is rolled out and fried until crispy, then coated in a cinnamon and sugar mixture. They're a popular street food in Mexico during the holiday season and are a delicious and festive dessert to enjoy with family and friends.
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Buñuelos de Rodilla (Mexican Christmas Fritters)
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Liqueur, All Purpose Flour, Baking
Mexican Christmas food is all about celebrating with family and friends and enjoying delicious and flavorful dishes. Whether you're looking for traditional Mexican dishes or modern twists on classic recipes, these top 20 Mexican Christmas recipes are sure to add some spice to your holiday season. So, gather your loved ones, try out some of these recipes, and have a Feliz Navidad!
The History of Pavo Navideño
Pavo Navideño, which translates to "Christmas turkey", has a long history in Mexico. Turkey was introduced to Mexico by the Spanish during the colonization period and quickly became a popular dish among the indigenous people. However, it wasn't until the 16th century that turkey became associated with Christmas in Mexico. It is said that the Aztec emperor Moctezuma served turkey at a feast to the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés during the first Christmas in Mexico. Since then, turkey has become a symbol of Christmas in Mexico and Pavo Navideño has become a cherished tradition in many households.
The Preparation
Preparing Pavo Navideño is a labor of love and often involves the whole family. The turkey is usually marinated in a mixture of spices, herbs, and citrus juices overnight to infuse it with flavor. The stuffing, or "relleno", is a cherished family recipe and can vary from region to region. Some families use a combination of ground pork, dried fruits, and nuts, while others may use a mixture of rice, vegetables, and spices. The turkey is then roasted in the oven and basted with a glaze of honey, orange juice, and spices for a shiny and flavorful finish.
The Accompaniments
Pavo Navideño is often served with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. However, in Mexico, it is typically served with a side of rice and a colorful salad made with beets, oranges, and pomegranates. Another popular accompaniment is the traditional "ponche", a warm and fruity punch made with seasonal fruits, spices, and sometimes added with a splash of tequila for an extra kick.
The Meaning behind Pavo Navideño
Aside from being a delicious and festive dish, Pavo Navideño holds a special meaning for Mexicans. The turkey, a native bird to Mexico, represents the fusion of indigenous and Spanish cultures, making it the perfect dish to symbolize the blending of traditions during the Christmas season. The act of preparing and sharing Pavo Navideño with loved ones also reflects the spirit of togetherness and gratitude that is at the heart of Christmas celebrations in Mexico.
In conclusion, Pavo Navideño is more than just a dish, it is a representation of Mexican culture and traditions. This Christmas, why not add a touch of Mexican flavor to your holiday table and try making this delicious and meaningful dish for your family and friends? Your taste buds and loved ones will thank you for it.