The holiday season is a time for gathering with loved ones and indulging in delicious traditional dishes. One such dish that is a staple in Mexican households during Christmas is tamales. These savory and flavorful treats are the perfect addition to any holiday feast and are a must-try for anyone looking to experience the true taste of Mexican Christmas.
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Chicken Parts, Tomatillos, White Onion
Add a touch of Mexican flavor to your beer can chicken by trying out this delicious recipe for Pollo Verde Tamales. The succulent chicken is marinated in a tangy green sauce made with tomatillos, cilantro, and jalapenos, giving it a zesty kick. Wrap the marinated chicken in corn husks and steam it to perfection for an authentic and flavorful dish.
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Layered Mexican Christmas Eve Salad
Main Ingredients: Red Beets, Romaine, Jicama, Navel Oranges, Pomegranate
For a lighter and refreshing twist on beer can chicken, try out this Layered Mexican Christmas Eve Salad. This colorful and festive salad is made with layers of avocado, black beans, corn, and chicken, topped with a creamy dressing made with sour cream, mayonnaise, and lime juice. It's the perfect dish to serve at holiday gatherings.
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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 glass of Ponche Navideño. This traditional fruit punch is made with a variety of fruits, spices, and, of course, a splash of your favorite beer. The combination of flavors is a true taste of the holiday season and makes for a unique and festive marinade for your beer can chicken.
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Delicious Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Flour, Mazola Corn Oil, Chicken Broth, Jalapeno
Tamales are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and they make a perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken. This recipe for Delicious Mexican Tamales includes a flavorful filling made with shredded chicken, vegetables, and spices, wrapped in a corn-based dough and steamed to perfection. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a truly authentic Mexican meal.
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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Fruit Punch)
Main Ingredients: Water, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Tamarind Pods, Crab
Another variation of the traditional Ponche Navideño is this Mexican Christmas Eve Salad. This salad is a combination of fresh greens, diced chicken, cranberries, and walnuts, topped with a tangy dressing made with orange juice, honey, and dijon mustard. It's the perfect side dish to serve with your beer can chicken for a complete and delicious meal.
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Mexican Christmas Eve Salad (Ensalada de Noche Buena)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Orange Juice, Salt
This colorful and festive salad is a staple at Mexican Christmas celebrations. Ensalada de Noche Buena is a combination of lettuce, beets, carrots, and other vegetables, topped with diced chicken and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The addition of beer can chicken to this dish adds a unique and delicious twist to a traditional holiday favorite.
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Authentic Beef Tamales
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Peppercorns, Dried Ancho
If you prefer beef over chicken, then this recipe for Authentic Beef Tamales is perfect for you. The tender beef is marinated in a flavorful sauce made with ancho chiles, garlic, and spices, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection. Serve these tamales alongside your beer can chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Water, Chilies
Pork tamales are another popular variation of this classic Mexican dish. This recipe for Pork Tamales combines tender pork with a spicy red sauce and is wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection. The combination of flavors from the pork and beer can chicken make for a delicious and unique meal that is sure to impress.
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Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Orange Zest, Fresh Orange
Add a touch of Cuban flavor to your beer can chicken by trying out this recipe for Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork. The tangy and garlicky marinade is made with citrus juices, garlic, and spices, giving the chicken a delicious and unique flavor. Serve it alongside some rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
If you're a fan of pork tamales but want to switch things up, try out this recipe for Mexican Pork Tamales. The pork is marinated in a spicy red sauce, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection. Serve these tamales alongside your beer can chicken for a meal that is sure to please your taste buds.
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Avocado and Tomato Salad
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, Avocados, Red Onion, Chopped Cilantro, Limes
For a lighter side dish to accompany your beer can chicken, try out this Avocado and Tomato Salad. The combination of creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and tangy dressing is the perfect complement to the rich and flavorful chicken. Plus, the addition of beer to the dressing adds a unique twist to this classic salad.
For a hearty side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try out this recipe for Mexican Cornbread. The addition of corn, chilies, and cheese to the traditional cornbread recipe gives it a delicious and flavorful kick. Serve it warm alongside your chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Mexican Chocolate Chip Crinkle Cookies...
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Canola Oil, Eggs, Chocolate Extract
End your meal on a sweet note with these Mexican Chocolate Chip Crinkle Cookies. The addition of cinnamon and cayenne pepper gives these cookies a unique and delicious flavor that pairs perfectly with the flavors of beer can chicken. Serve them as a dessert or snack alongside your meal for a sweet and spicy treat.
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Mexican Holiday Fruit Punch or Ponche
Main Ingredients: Apples, Apple, Oranges, Guavas, Tamarind Pods, Prunes
In addition to Ponche Navideño, another popular holiday drink in Mexico is Mexican Holiday Fruit Punch. This punch is made with a variety of fruits, spices, and, of course, beer, for a refreshing and festive beverage that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. Serve it chilled for a refreshing and unique drink option.
No Mexican meal is complete without a side of Mexican rice. This recipe for Mexican Rice is a simple and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. The addition of beer to the rice adds a delicious and unique twist to this classic side dish.
For a handheld version of beer can chicken, try out these Mexican Street Tacos. The chicken is cooked with a variety of spices and then shredded and served in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. These tacos are perfect for a casual and delicious meal that everyone will love.
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Skinny Mexican Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
If you're looking for a healthier option to go with your beer can chicken, try out this recipe for Skinny Mexican Casserole. The combination of lean ground turkey, vegetables, and spices makes for a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it alongside your chicken for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch)
Main Ingredients: Water, Green Apples, Red Apples, Bosc Pears, Sugarcane
Yet another variation of the traditional Ponche Navideño is this Mexican Christmas Punch. This version is made with a combination of fruits and spices, including apples, cinnamon, and cloves, and is spiked with a splash of beer for a unique and festive twist. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a complete and delicious holiday meal.
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Beef and Red Chile Tamales
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Chuck, Small White Onions, Garlic Cloves
For a heartier and spicier version of tamales, try out this recipe for Beef and Red Chile Tamales. The tender beef is marinated in a spicy red sauce made with dried chiles and is wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection. The combination of flavors from the beef and beer can chicken make for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Buñuelos Enmielados
Main Ingredients: Anise Seeds, Hot Water, All Purpose Flour, Granulated
For a sweet and crispy dessert to serve with your beer can chicken, try out these Buñuelos Enmielados. These fried dough balls are coated in a sweet and sticky syrup made with piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar) and are a popular treat during the holiday season. Serve them warm alongside your meal for a delicious and indulgent end to your meal.
The History of Tamales
The Origins
Tamales have been a part of Mexican culture for centuries and have a rich history rooted in ancient Mesoamerican traditions. The word "tamal" comes from the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs, and literally means "wrapped food." It is believed that tamales were first created by the Aztecs as a portable and convenient food for warriors and travelers. Over time, tamales evolved and became an essential part of religious ceremonies and celebrations, including Christmas.
The Christmas Connection
In Mexico, tamales are closely associated with Christmas and are a beloved holiday tradition. The tradition of making tamales during Christmas dates back to the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the 16th century. During this time, tamales were used as offerings to the gods during religious ceremonies. When the Spanish introduced Christianity to Mexico, tamales became a part of Christmas celebrations as a way to honor the birth of Jesus. Today, tamales are a symbol of unity and togetherness, as families come together to make and enjoy them during the holiday season.
The Recipe
Ingredients
To make traditional Mexican Christmas tamales, you will need masa harina, lard, chicken or pork broth, dried corn husks, and your choice of filling. The filling can be anything from shredded pork or chicken to beans and cheese. The key to making delicious tamales is using quality ingredients, so be sure to choose the freshest and most flavorful options.
Preparation
The process of making tamales can be time-consuming, but it is well worth the effort. First, you will need to soak the dried corn husks in warm water to make them pliable. Next, prepare the masa dough by mixing the masa harina with lard and broth until it forms a smooth and spreadable consistency. Then, spread the masa onto the soaked corn husks, add your filling, and roll them into a neat package.
Cooking and Serving
Traditionally, tamales are steamed in a large pot or steamer for about an hour until they are fully cooked. Once done, they are unwrapped and served hot with your choice of toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, or queso fresco. Tamales can also be made ahead of time and frozen, making them a convenient and delicious option for holiday gatherings.
In conclusion, tamales are a cherished part of Mexican Christmas celebrations and have a long history that adds to their cultural significance. With this authentic recipe, you can bring a taste of Mexico into your home and create new holiday traditions with your loved ones. So, gather your family and friends, and enjoy the delicious and heartwarming tradition of making and sharing tamales this Christmas.
