16+ Traditional Christmas Recipe From Mexico You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Apr 22, 2024
Mexico is known for its vibrant culture, colorful festivals, and flavorful cuisine. When it comes to Christmas, the country has its own unique traditions and customs that make the holiday even more special. Along with festive decorations and lively music, food plays a vital role in celebrating Christmas in Mexico. One dish that is a must-have on the holiday menu is the traditional Christmas recipe of tamales. These delicious corn husk-wrapped bundles of goodness have been a staple in Mexican households for centuries and continue to be a beloved holiday treat.
Main Ingredients: Red Beets, Romaine, Jicama, Navel Oranges, Pomegranate
Celebrate the holiday season with a burst of flavors in this delicious Layered Mexican Christmas Eve Salad. This colorful dish combines layers of fresh veggies, beans, and a homemade tangy dressing to create a mouth-watering salad that is perfect for any festive gathering.
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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Fruit Punch)
Main Ingredients: Water, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Tamarind Pods, Crab
No Christmas celebration in Mexico is complete without a refreshing glass of Ponche Navideño. This traditional fruit punch is a beloved holiday drink that is made with a mix of seasonal fruits, spices, and a touch of tequila for an added kick. Serve it hot and enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of Christmas in every sip.
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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Fruit Punch)
Main Ingredients: Water, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Tamarind Pods, Crab
Ensalada de Noche Buena, also known as Mexican Christmas Eve Salad, is a festive dish that is full of vibrant colors and flavors. This salad is made with a variety of fruits, veggies, and nuts, all tossed in a zesty dressing that brings everything together. It's a perfect side dish for your holiday feast.
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Mexican Christmas Eve Salad (Ensalada de Noche Buena)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Orange Juice, Salt
Take your holiday dinner to the next level with this mouth-watering Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork. The pork is marinated in a tangy and flavorful sauce made with citrus juices, garlic, and herbs. It's then roasted to perfection, creating a tender and juicy meat that will leave your guests wanting more.
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Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Orange Zest, Fresh Orange
For a refreshing and nutritious side dish, look no further than this Avocado and Tomato Salad. This simple yet delicious salad is made with fresh avocados, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty dressing. It's the perfect addition to any holiday meal.
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Avocado and Tomato Salad
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, Avocados, Red Onion, Chopped Cilantro, Limes
Add a Mexican twist to your holiday dinner with this flavorful Mexican Cornbread. This savory bread is made with cornmeal, jalapeños, and shredded cheese, giving it a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with any holiday meal. It's a crowd-pleasing side dish that is sure to be a hit.
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Mexican Chocolate Chip Crinkle Cookies this holiday season. These cookies are made with an irresistible combination of chocolate, cinnamon, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. They're a perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa.
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Mexican Chocolate Chip Crinkle Cookies...
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Canola Oil, Eggs, Chocolate Extract
Another must-have holiday drink in Mexico is the Mexican Holiday Fruit Punch or Ponche. This fruity and spiced punch is made with a variety of seasonal fruits, including apples, pears, and guavas, and simmered in a delicious cinnamon and piloncillo syrup. It's a comforting and festive drink that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Mexican Holiday Fruit Punch or Ponche
Main Ingredients: Apples, Apple, Oranges, Guavas, Tamarind Pods, Prunes
No Mexican meal is complete without a side of fluffy and flavorful Mexican Rice. This simple yet delicious dish is made with a mix of rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices, creating a perfect side dish for any holiday feast. It's a staple in Mexican cuisine and a must-try for any holiday celebration.
Snuggle up by the fire and indulge in a cup of Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix this holiday season. This recipe offers three variations of hot chocolate: the classic, Mexican, and spicy versions. Choose your favorite and enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of this homemade treat.
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Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix (Original, Mexican, &...
Main Ingredients: Powdered Milk, Powdered Sugar, Unsweetened Cocoa
Spice up your holiday dinner with these mouth-watering Mexican Street Tacos. These tacos are made with small tortillas filled with tender and flavorful meat, topped with fresh salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice. They're a fun and festive way to enjoy a taste of Mexico during the holidays.
For a healthier option that doesn't skimp on flavor, try this Skinny Mexican Casserole. This dish is made with lean ground turkey, black beans, and corn, all baked together with a layer of tortilla chips and topped with cheese. It's a guilt-free and tasty way to enjoy a Mexican-inspired meal.
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Skinny Mexican Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
Indulge in a sweet and addictive treat with this Christmas Crack recipe. This easy-to-make dessert is made with a layer of crackers, a homemade toffee sauce, and topped with chocolate and nuts. It's a perfect addition to your holiday dessert table.
Put a twist on a classic with this delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad. This salad is made with roasted corn, red bell peppers, and a tangy dressing, all topped with crumbled cotija cheese. It's a refreshing and flavorful side dish that will bring a taste of the streets of Mexico to your holiday table.
Another version of the beloved Mexican Christmas Punch, Ponche Navideño is a must-try for the holiday season. This punch is made with a mix of seasonal fruits, including apples, guavas, and tejocotes, and simmered in a sweet and spicy syrup. It's a warm and comforting drink that will keep you feeling festive all night long.
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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch)
Main Ingredients: Water, Green Apples, Red Apples, Bosc Pears, Sugarcane
Add a traditional and sweet touch to your holiday celebration with Buñuelos Enmielados. These Mexican Christmas Fritters are made with a dough that is fried until crispy and then drizzled with a sweet piloncillo syrup. They're a delicious and festive treat that is loved by all.
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Buñuelos Enmielados
Main Ingredients: Anise Seeds, Hot Water, All Purpose Flour, Granulated
No holiday celebration in Mexico is complete without a plate of Beef and Red Chile Tamales. These delicious tamales are made with a filling of tender beef cooked in a spicy red chile sauce, all wrapped in a corn husk and steamed to perfection. They're a labor of love, but the end result is worth it.
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Beef and Red Chile Tamales
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Chuck, Small White Onions, Garlic Cloves
Bring some holiday cheer to your baking with these festive Christmas Sugar Cookies. These cookies are made with a classic sugar cookie dough and decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles. They're a fun and delicious way to get into the holiday spirit.
For a lighter version of traditional Mexican Christmas Fritters, try Buñuelos de Rodilla. These fritters are made with a dough that is rolled thin and fried until crispy, then dusted with cinnamon and sugar. They're a perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter night.
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Buñuelos de Rodilla (Mexican Christmas Fritters)
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Liqueur, All Purpose Flour, Baking
End your holiday feast on a sweet note with this decadent Mexican Chocolate Cake with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake is made with rich and flavorful Mexican chocolate and topped with a creamy and spicy frosting. It's a perfect dessert to end a delicious holiday meal.
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Layered Mexican Christmas Eve Salad
Main Ingredients: Red Beets, Romaine, Jicama, Navel Oranges, Pomegranate
Looking for a festive and flavorful side dish for your holiday meal? Look no further than this Layered Mexican Christmas Eve Salad. It features layers of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy queso fresco, all topped with a zesty cilantro lime dressing. Serve it up at your next holiday gathering and watch it disappear in no time.
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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Fruit Punch)
Main Ingredients: Water, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Tamarind Pods, Crab
Add a touch of Mexican tradition to your holiday celebration with this refreshing Ponche Navideño. This fruit punch is a beloved Christmas tradition in Mexico and is typically served hot. It's made with a variety of fruits, spices, and even a touch of tequila for an added kick. Serve it up in a festive punch bowl and let your guests enjoy this delicious and unique holiday beverage.
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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Fruit Punch)
Main Ingredients: Water, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Tamarind Pods, Crab
Looking for a salad that's both healthy and delicious? Give this Mexican Christmas Eve Salad a try. It's packed with a variety of veggies, including beets, carrots, and jicama, and topped with a tangy citrus dressing. Not only is it a beautiful addition to your holiday table, but it's also a tasty and nutritious way to balance out all those holiday indulgences.
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Mexican Christmas Eve Salad (Ensalada de Noche Buena)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Orange Juice, Salt
Spice up your holiday menu with this flavorful Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork. The pork is marinated in a zesty blend of citrus, garlic, and spices and then slow-roasted until it's juicy and tender. Serve it up with some rice and beans for a complete and satisfying holiday meal.
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Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Orange Zest, Fresh Orange
Avocados are a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine, and this Avocado and Tomato Salad is the perfect showcase for their creamy goodness. The salad also features juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a zesty lime dressing. Serve it up as a side dish or top it with some grilled chicken for a light and refreshing main course.
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Avocado and Tomato Salad
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, Avocados, Red Onion, Chopped Cilantro, Limes
Add some Mexican flare to your holiday spread with this delicious Mexican Cornbread. It's packed with flavor, thanks to the addition of green chilies, corn, and cheese. Serve it up as a side dish or use it to make some tasty cornbread stuffing for your holiday turkey.
No holiday celebration is complete without some delicious cookies, and these Mexican Chocolate Chip Crinkle Cookies are sure to be a hit. They're made with a hint of cinnamon and chili powder for a unique and flavorful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. Bake up a batch and watch them disappear in no time.
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Mexican Chocolate Chip Crinkle Cookies...
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Canola Oil, Eggs, Chocolate Extract
Another delicious option for a festive holiday beverage is this Mexican Holiday Fruit Punch, also known as Ponche. It's made with a variety of fruits, including apples, pears, and prunes, and is flavored with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. Serve it up hot and garnish with some cinnamon sticks for a beautiful and delicious holiday drink.
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Mexican Holiday Fruit Punch or Ponche
Main Ingredients: Apples, Apple, Oranges, Guavas, Tamarind Pods, Prunes
Looking for a flavorful and easy side dish for your holiday meal? Look no further than this classic Mexican Rice. It's made with simple ingredients like rice, tomatoes, and spices, but packs a punch of flavor. Serve it up alongside your favorite Mexican dishes for a complete and delicious holiday feast.
Nothing says the holidays like a warm cup of hot chocolate. Skip the store-bought mix and make your own with this Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix. You can make it in three different variations: original, Mexican (with a touch of cinnamon), and spicy (with a hint of cayenne pepper). Package it up in festive jars and give it as a homemade gift to friends and family.
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Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix (Original, Mexican, &...
Main Ingredients: Powdered Milk, Powdered Sugar, Unsweetened Cocoa
Tacos are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and these Mexican Street Tacos are a delicious and easy option for your holiday meal. They're made with tender marinated steak, fresh cilantro, and a zesty avocado salsa. Serve them up as a main course or set up a taco bar and let your guests build their own.
Watching your waistline during the holidays? This Skinny Mexican Casserole is a tasty and healthy option for your holiday feast. It's packed with lean ground turkey, black beans, and veggies, all topped with a layer of gooey cheese. Your guests won't even know it's a lightened-up version of a classic Mexican dish.
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Skinny Mexican Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
Looking for a sweet and addictive holiday treat? This Christmas Crack is just the thing. It's made with a layer of buttery crackers, topped with a caramel sauce and a layer of chocolate. It's the perfect combination of sweet and salty and is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Add some color and flavor to your holiday table with this Mexican Street Corn Salad. It's made with grilled corn, bell peppers, and a zesty lime dressing. Serve it up as a side dish or use it as a topping for your tacos or tostadas.
This Ponche Navideño recipe takes a unique twist on the classic Mexican Christmas punch by adding some bubbly champagne to the mix. The result is a festive and refreshing beverage that's perfect for celebrating the holidays with friends and family.
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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch)
Main Ingredients: Water, Green Apples, Red Apples, Bosc Pears, Sugarcane
Buñuelos are a popular Mexican dessert, typically served during the holiday season. These Buñuelos Enmielados are a delicious and crispy version of the traditional treat. They're drizzled with a warm honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar for a sweet and satisfying holiday treat.
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Buñuelos Enmielados
Main Ingredients: Anise Seeds, Hot Water, All Purpose Flour, Granulated
Tamales are a classic Mexican dish, typically enjoyed during the holiday season. These Beef and Red Chile Tamales are a flavorful and traditional option for your holiday meal. They're filled with tender beef and a spicy red chile sauce, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed to perfection.
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Beef and Red Chile Tamales
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Chuck, Small White Onions, Garlic Cloves
No holiday celebration is complete without some festive sugar cookies. These Christmas Sugar Cookies are a delicious and fun way to get into the holiday spirit. They're decorated with colorful frosting and sprinkles, making them a perfect activity for kids and adults alike.
Another delicious option for a traditional Mexican holiday treat is these Buñuelos de Rodilla. They're similar to the Buñuelos Enmielados mentioned earlier but are rolled into a fritter shape instead. Serve them up with a warm honey syrup and enjoy this tasty and indulgent holiday treat.
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Buñuelos de Rodilla (Mexican Christmas Fritters)
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Liqueur, All Purpose Flour, Baking
Last but certainly not least, these Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcakes are a delicious and unique addition to any holiday spread. They're made with a hint of cinnamon and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, and topped with a rich and creamy chocolate frosting. Your guests will love this fun and festive twist on a classic dessert.
The History of Tamales in Mexican Christmas Celebrations
The Origins of Tamales
Tamales have been a part of Mexican cuisine since ancient times. The Aztecs were known to have made tamales as offerings to their gods, and they were also a popular food among the Mayans and other indigenous tribes. These steamed corn husk-wrapped treats were not only a delicious food item but also a convenient way to transport food for long journeys. Over time, tamales became a part of Mexican Christmas celebrations, with different regions having their own unique variations.
The Significance of Tamales in Mexican Christmas
Tamales are deeply rooted in Mexican Christmas traditions and hold a special meaning for the holiday. Not only are they a delicious and comforting food, but they also symbolize the unity and togetherness of family and friends during this special time of year. Making tamales is a labor-intensive process, and it is a common practice for families to come together and spend hours preparing and cooking them. This tradition of making tamales together brings loved ones closer and creates cherished memories that last a lifetime.
The Ingredients and Preparation of Traditional Christmas Tamales
The Main Ingredients
The main ingredients used in traditional Christmas tamales include corn masa, dried corn husks, and a variety of fillings. The masa is made from dried corn that is cooked, ground, and mixed with water, lard, and spices to form a dough. The fillings can vary from region to region but commonly include pork, chicken, beef, or vegetables like peppers and cheese.
The Preparation Process
Making tamales is a labor of love that involves several steps. First, the corn husks are soaked in warm water to make them pliable. The masa is then spread on the husks, and the filling is placed in the center. The husks are then folded and tied to create a neat bundle. The tamales are then steamed for about an hour until fully cooked. Once done, they are unwrapped and served hot with a side of salsa or other condiments.
In Conclusion
No Mexican Christmas celebration is complete without the traditional tamales. Not only are they a delicious and significant part of the holiday, but they also bring loved ones closer and create cherished memories. So, if you want to add a little Mexican flair to your Christmas feast, be sure to include this classic dish in your menu. Your taste buds and your family will thank you for it.
Keywords: traditional Christmas recipe, Mexico, tamales, Mexican cuisine, holiday menu
