17+ A Traditional Christmas Recipe In Mexico Discover Culinary Perfection!

Published on: Mar 29, 2024

Mexican cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and rich cultural history. And during Christmas time, there is no shortage of traditional dishes that bring families and communities together. One such dish that holds a special place in Mexican households during this festive season is tamales. These delicious parcels of corn dough filled with savory or sweet fillings are a staple in Mexican Christmas celebrations. Let's take a deeper dive into the history and significance of this beloved Christmas recipe in Mexico.

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Layered Mexican Christmas Eve Salad

Main Ingredients: Red Beets, Romaine, Jicama, Navel Oranges, Pomegranate

Ensalada de Noche Buena | Christmas Eve Salad | This salad is one of my ...

Mexican Christmas Eve Salad (Ensalada de Noche Buena) is a delicious ...

Pin on Lillian's - Salads, Slaws, Jello, Etc.

This colorful and festive salad is a must-have for any Christmas Eve celebration. Layers of fresh lettuce, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado are topped with a tangy dressing and sprinkled with crispy tortilla strips. The combination of flavors and textures will have your taste buds dancing!

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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Fruit Punch)

Main Ingredients: Water, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Tamarind Pods, Crab

Ponche Navideño (Christmas Fruit Punch) - Muy Bueno Cookbook (2023)

Ponche Navideño is warm fruit punch served for Christmas. You can serve ...

No Christmas celebration is complete without a warm cup of Ponche Navideño. This traditional Mexican punch is made with a variety of fruits, spices, and tejocotes (Mexican hawthorn fruit). It's the perfect drink to warm you up on a cold winter night.

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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Fruit Punch)

Main Ingredients: Water, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Tamarind Pods, Crab

Similar to the layered salad, this Mexican Christmas Eve salad is a vibrant and flavorful addition to any holiday meal. It's made with a mix of seasonal fruits, such as apples, oranges, and pomegranate seeds, and topped with a sweet and tangy dressing. It's a refreshing and light option to balance out all the rich holiday dishes.

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Mexican Christmas Eve Salad (Ensalada de Noche Buena)

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Orange Juice, Salt

Noche Buena refers to Christmas Eve in Mexico. Traditionally families ...

Ensalada de Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Salad) - Muy Bueno Cookbook

This succulent and flavorful pork dish is a favorite in many Latin American countries, including Mexico. The pork is marinated in a garlic and citrus sauce and then roasted until tender and crispy. It's a delicious and easy main dish for any Christmas feast.

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Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork

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

Cuban Style Mojo Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Black Beans

Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork - KITCHEN COOKING | Cuban mojo marinated pork ...

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Avocados are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and this simple salad is the perfect way to showcase their creamy goodness. Slices of ripe avocados are tossed with juicy tomatoes, red onion, and a zesty lime dressing. It's a refreshing and healthy side dish that pairs well with any holiday meal.

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Avocado and Tomato Salad

Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, Avocados, Red Onion, Chopped Cilantro, Limes

Easy Tomato Avocado Salad | Gimme Delicious

Simple Tomato and Avocado Salad | Recipe | Avocado tomato salad, Tomato ...

Easy Avocado Tomato and Cucumber Salad Recipe | The Food Cafe

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This cornbread is a twist on the classic Southern dish, with a Mexican twist. It's made with cornmeal, green chilies, and sharp cheddar cheese. The result is a moist and flavorful bread that will be a hit at any holiday gathering.

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Mexican Cornbread

Main Ingredients: Self Rising Cornmeal, Cream Style Corn, Grated Cheddar

Mexican‌ ‌Cornbread‌ ‌(with‌ ‌Jiffy‌ ‌Mix)‌ - Insanely Good

Mexican Cornbread Casserole - Sunshine Momma

These cookies are a delicious and festive treat for the holiday season. They are made with Mexican chocolate, which has a hint of cinnamon, and chocolate chips. The dough is rolled in powdered sugar before baking, giving them a crackly and irresistibly chewy texture.

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Mexican Chocolate Chip Crinkle Cookies...

Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Canola Oil, Eggs, Chocolate Extract

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - Cooking Classy

Mexican Chocolate Chip Crinkle Cookies

Mexican Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - Isabel Eats

Another version of the traditional Ponche Navideño, this Mexican holiday fruit punch is made with a mix of fresh and dried fruits, including apples, prunes, and raisins. It's a sweet and comforting drink that is perfect for sipping on while enjoying the company of friends and family.

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Mexican Holiday Fruit Punch or Ponche

Main Ingredients: Apples, Apple, Oranges, Guavas, Tamarind Pods, Prunes

Mexican Christmas Punch (Ponche Navideño) is a war… | Mexican christmas ...

Ponche-Mexican Christmas Punch • Mama Latina Tips

Rice is a staple side dish in Mexican cuisine, and this recipe is a tried and true favorite. It's made with long-grain white rice, tomato sauce, and spices for a flavorful and colorful dish. It's the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican-inspired holiday meal.

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Mexican Rice

Main Ingredients: Long Grain White Rice, Chicken Broth, Olive Oil, Small

Authentic Mexican Rice {Homemade} - Cooking Classy

Mexican Brown Rice Recipe - Cookie and Kate

Warm up this holiday season with a cup of homemade hot chocolate. This recipe includes three variations: original, Mexican, and peppermint. The Mexican version is made with cocoa powder, cinnamon, and chili powder for a spicy and rich twist on the classic hot chocolate.

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Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix (Original, Mexican, &...

Main Ingredients: Powdered Milk, Powdered Sugar, Unsweetened Cocoa

The Best Hot Chocolate Mix You'll Ever Make| crave the good

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Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix - Mel's Kitchen Cafe

twenty super delicious hot drinks to warm you up during fall or winter ...

Street tacos are a popular and delicious dish in Mexico, and they make a great addition to any holiday party. These tacos are made with soft corn tortillas, marinated steak or chicken, and fresh toppings such as cilantro, onion, and salsa. They are easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.

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Mexican Street Tacos

Main Ingredients: Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce, Lime Juice, Canola Oil

Una Mexicana en USA: Authentic Mexican Street Tacos at Home

Vegetarian Mexican Street Corn Tacos - Sprinkles & Sea Salt

If you're looking for a healthier option for your holiday meal, this skinny Mexican casserole is the way to go. It's made with lean ground turkey, black beans, and corn, and topped with low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt. It's a guilt-free dish that doesn't skimp on flavor.

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Skinny Mexican Casserole

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell

21 Amazing Tortilla Wrap Recipes That Taste So Good

Skinny Mexican Casserole | Recipe | Mexican casserole, Skinny mexicans ...

Healthy Mexican Recipes That Are Insanely Delicious

This addictively delicious treat is a must-have for any Christmas celebration. It's made with crunchy saltine crackers, butter, brown sugar, and chocolate chips. The combination of sweet and salty flavors will have you coming back for more.

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Christmas Crack

Main Ingredients: Saltine Crackers, Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar, Dark

Christmas Crack Recipe (Saltine Toffee) - Mom On Timeout

Best Christmas Crack Recipe (Saltine Cracker Toffee) | The Recipe Critic

This colorful and flavorful salad is a great side dish for any holiday meal. It's made with grilled corn, cotija cheese, and a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, lime juice, and spices. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that will add a touch of Mexican flair to your holiday table.

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Mexican Street Corn Salad

Main Ingredients: Fresh Corn, Lime Juice, Avocado Oil, Jalapeno Peppers

Mexican Street Corn Salad – The Comfort of Cooking

Mexican Street Corn Salad - Eating Bird Food

No holiday meal is complete without a sweet ending, and this traditional Mexican flan is the perfect dessert. It's a creamy and custardy dessert made with eggs, condensed milk, and caramel sauce. It's a rich and decadent treat that is sure to impress your guests.

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Mexican Flan

Main Ingredients: Flan, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Whole Milk, Cream

Best Flan Recipe: How To Make Mexican Flan With This Easy Flan Recipe!

Flan Mexicano (Mexican Flan) Recipe | Allrecipes

This version of Ponche Navideño is made with tequila and brandy, giving it an extra kick. It's a festive and boozy drink that will warm you up and get you in the holiday spirit.

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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch)

Main Ingredients: Water, Green Apples, Red Apples, Bosc Pears, Sugarcane

Ponche Navideño | Mexican Christmas Punch - Nibbles and Feasts

Ponche navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch) - Thrift and Spice

These traditional Mexican fritters are a staple during the holiday season. They are made with a dough of flour, eggs, and spices, fried until golden and crispy, and then drizzled with a sweet syrup. They are a delicious and indulgent treat that is worth the effort.

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Buñuelos Enmielados

Main Ingredients: Anise Seeds, Hot Water, All Purpose Flour, Granulated

finger food | flavorbliss | Food, Colombian food, Colombian cuisine

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Tamales are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and they are a great option for a holiday meal. This recipe uses beef and red chile sauce for a savory and spicy filling. It's 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

Red Chile Beef Tamales | The Frayed Apron

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Slow Cooker Red Chili Beef | A Night Owl Blog

Similar to Buñuelos Enmielados, these fritters are made with a dough of flour, eggs, and spices. The dough is rolled out thin and then fried until crisp. They are commonly served with honey or syrup for a sweet and indulgent treat.

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Buñuelos de Rodilla (Mexican Christmas Fritters)

Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Liqueur, All Purpose Flour, Baking

Bunuelos Recipe - Immaculate Bites | Bunuelos recipe, Mexican dessert ...

Bunuelos De Rodilla (Mexican Christmas Fritters) Recipe — Dishmaps

Mexican Bunuelos - A Cowboys Life | Fried mexican dessert, Bunuelos ...

This version of the Mexican chocolate chip cookies includes a twist on the traditional recipe with the addition of peanut butter. The result is a rich and nutty cookie that is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

The Origins of Tamales

The Pre-Hispanic Roots

Tamales have been a part of Mexican cuisine for centuries, with its roots dating back to the pre-Hispanic era. The indigenous people of Mexico, particularly the Aztecs and Mayans, used tamales as a portable and convenient food for hunters and warriors. They would wrap corn dough with various fillings in corn husks or banana leaves and steam them over an open fire. Featured keyword: traditional Christmas recipe in Mexico

The Introduction of New Ingredients

When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mexico in the 16th century, they introduced new ingredients such as pork, beef, and chicken to the indigenous people. These meats were then incorporated into the traditional tamale fillings, making them heartier and more flavorful. The Spanish also brought in new cooking techniques, such as steaming tamales in large pots, which are still used today.

The Significance of Tamales during Christmas

The Symbolism of the Corn Husks

In Mexican culture, corn is considered a sacred food, and the corn husks used to wrap tamales hold a special meaning. The green color of the husk symbolizes hope and life, while the tamale itself represents baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes. Related main keyword: Mexican Christmas traditions

A Family Affair

Making tamales is a labor-intensive process that involves multiple steps, from preparing the dough to making the fillings and assembling the tamales. This process is often a family affair, with generations coming together to share stories, laughter, and of course, delicious food. Tamales are also often given as gifts to friends and neighbors, further highlighting the sense of community and togetherness during Christmas.

In Conclusion

Tamales are more than just a traditional Christmas recipe in Mexico. They embody the rich history and culture of the country, and their preparation and consumption bring people together in a spirit of love, unity, and celebration. So next time you enjoy a warm and flavorful tamale during Christmas, remember the centuries of tradition and significance behind this beloved dish. Related main keyword: Mexican cuisine Related main keyword: Christmas celebrations in Mexico