Mexican Christmas Flavors

During the holiday season, a defining characteristic of Mexican families is gathering together, primarily using the kitchen as a meeting point to prepare the delicious Christmas dinner, turning it into a true ritual and a yearly tradition.  

So many dishes and varieties are created, ranging from classic tamales and pozole to more elaborate ones like bacalao or the famous romeritos. Each family honors secret recipes passed down from generation to generation, leaving a delicious aroma in the house that reminds you of family Christmas the moment you walk in.

It is well known that one of the most common dishes in our country is the delicious pozole made by grandma—that recipe only she gets just right. Served piping hot, it feels like a hug from her. Its long and meticulous preparation is an art form, from cleaning the corn kernels to preparing the necessary toppings, such as shredded lettuce, onions, radishes, spicy salsa, and, of course, lime. Pozole is a dish typically cooked with meat, either pork or chicken.

Surely you’ve had to chop apples for the traditional apple saladat some point. We know some of us resist such a task, but your participation in making it will be a total success once you mix all the ingredients and your family loves it.  

This salad is a must for the season; it is often used as a side dish for Christmas dinner because of its sweet and fresh flavor. The traditional recipe includes apples, walnuts, raisins, pineapple, and cream with a touch of sugar, perfect for enjoying alongside heavier, more seasoned dishes.  

From there, we move on to Bacalao, a traditional and very popular dish in some coastal areas of Mexico and in the center of the country for these dates. It is prepared with dried salted cod, olives, capers, potatoes, tomatoes, and onions. It is known as a dish with Spanish influence, originating from Bilbao. It arrived in Mexico with the colonization and was considered a meal especially for Holy Week, but over time it was included in the list of Christmas dishes.  

Let’s talk about the stuffed pork leg or pork loin, marinated in an adobo made from a blend of various chiles. A thick sauce of dried chiles like ancho, guajillo, and pasilla, with spices that are slow-cooked. It can be stuffed with dried fruits to give it a sweet and savory touch.  

When you slice it, you’ll see it stays juicy and is great to serve as a main course for dinner, accompanied by a side dish or salad.  

And where does the famous turkey fit into our history? Although some families have this tradition, it is more closely associated with Thanksgiving. However, you probably didn't know that the turkey is native to Mexico. Its preparation usually begins days before the dinner. The recipe can vary according to your family's traditions, but it can be stuffed with almonds, prunes, walnuts, and pine nuts, and it should be left to soak for a good while in white wine and orange juice until it absorbs the flavor.  

And what about the delicious tamales, the perfect dish for a cold night, especially when paired with a warm, rich atole . They are closely tied to Catholic origins, as they symbolize the gifts brought by the Three Wise Men to the Baby Jesus. For this reason, it is customary to have tamales for dinner on February 2nd.

Tamales are generally made with cooked corn dough and wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, depending on the recipe. They can be sweet or savory, depending on the filling—which can be meat, vegetables, or fruit—and are topped with red or green salsa for the finishing touch.  

Finally, we bring you the traditional romeritos, a classic dish dating back to the Colonial era, which is currently very popular in the center of the country. According to history, this dish originated from the fasts observed by religious orders on December 24th; since it contains no meat, it was the perfect option for Christmas dinners.

Romeritos are a plant grown in Mexico and are prepared with a mole sauce made from dried chiles, chocolate, spices, and other ingredients. They are served with potatoes and dried shrimp, which gives the dish a very distinct flavor.  

After this gastronomic tour of typical and traditional Mexican Christmas foods, you’ll surely be craving a taste of all these delights. Enjoy every flavor of the season; I assure you that this month, calories don't count, but the happiness you share with your loved ones while gathered to celebrate Christmas certainly does.  

And of course, don't forget the leftovers, which taste even better after a few days… Merry Christmas!

See you next time, Ciao.