Delicious Mexican Christmas Dishes for a Feliz Navidad
December 15, 2023
Overview: This Thanksgiving, savor the richness of global cuisine and create new holiday memories by bringing some diverse international flavors to your table. Explore the world through food and make your celebration truly unforgettable!
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, expressing gratitude, and indulging in a feast that typically features classic dishes like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
This year, why not spice things up and add a global twist to your Thanksgiving table? Incorporating international dishes can not only diversify your meal but also offer a unique culinary experience for your guests.
In this blog post, we’ll share some delectable international dishes to elevate your Thanksgiving feast.
When you hear the words Italian food, what comes to mind? If it’s just spaghetti and pizza, it’s time to expand your horizons. The versatility of Italian cuisine is unmatched. Try some Italian-inspired stuffed mushrooms for your Thanksgiving feast this year!
Ingredients:
◻ 24 large white mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed
◻ 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
◻ 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
◻ 2 cloves garlic, minced
◻ 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
◻ 1/4 cup olive oil
◻ Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and olive oil. Mix until the mixture becomes a crumbly consistency.
Season the mushroom caps with salt and pepper and stuff each one generously with the breadcrumb mixture.
Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Serve hot as an appetizer or side dish.
Just think: golden corn kernels meeting a sassy salsa beat, topped off with a sprinkle of fiesta fun — warm, crumbly, and bursting with spicy undertones. It’s a perfect alternative — or companion — to your typical Thanksgiving dinner rolls. Say olé to your new favorite treat!
Ingredients
◻ 1 cup cornmeal
◻ 1 cup all-purpose flour
◻ 1/4 cup sugar
◻ 1 tbsp baking powder
◻ 1/2 teaspoon salt
◻ 1 cup buttermilk
◻ 1/4 cup vegetable oil
◻ 2 eggs
◻ 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
◻ 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, mix buttermilk, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the corn kernels and jalapeño (if using).
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Slice and serve as a delightful twist on traditional Thanksgiving rolls.
>> Related Reading: The Most Authentic Mexican Food in the Redlands Empire
Soups are one of those hearty delicacies that you can savor on a chilly evening, letting each spoonful warm your soul and comfort your heart. Let’s make a Thai-inspired soup for our Thanksgiving feast!
Ingredients
◻ 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
◻ 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
◻ 2 tbsp red curry paste
◻ 1 onion, chopped
◻ 2 cloves garlic, minced
◻ 1 tbsp ginger, minced
◻ 4 cups vegetable broth
◻ 2 tbsp vegetable oil
◻ Salt and pepper to taste
◻ Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Directions
In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
Stir in the red curry paste and cook for another minute.
Add the diced sweet potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender to puree until smooth.
Return the soup to the pot, add coconut milk, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for squeezing.
Who doesn’t enjoy a slice of tradition with the Greek-inspired Spanakopita, where crispy layers meet creamy feta delight? We sure do! This hearty dish is sure to be a hit with your loved ones, whether served as an appetizer or as part of your Thanksgiving meal!
Ingredients
◻ 1 package (16 oz) frozen spinach, thawed and drained
◻ 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
◻ 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
◻ 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
◻ 1/2 cup chopped green onions
◻ 2 cloves garlic, minced
◻ 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
◻ 1 package of phyllo dough (16 sheets)
◻ 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
◻ Salt and pepper to taste
This is where You Can Find International Food Brands in the Inland Empire
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine thawed and drained spinach, crumbled feta cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper.
Layer 8 sheets of phyllo dough in the baking dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the phyllo layers. Layer the remaining 8 sheets of phyllo dough on top, again brushing each sheet with melted butter.
Score the top layer of phyllo into squares or diamonds with a sharp knife. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the spanakopita is golden brown and crispy.
Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Indian dishes are so vibrant and flavorful, telling a story of centuries-old traditions in every bite. We all like stories, so let’s share some at our Thanksgiving tables this year with a bowl of hearty Indian-inspired soup!
Ingredients
◻ 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
◻ 1 onion, chopped
◻ 2 cloves garlic, minced
◻ 1 tbsp curry powder
◻ 1/2 tsp ground cumin
◻ 1/2 tsp ground coriander
◻ 4 cups vegetable broth
◻ 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
◻ 2 tbsp vegetable oil
◻ Salt and pepper to taste
◻ Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions
In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent. Stir in the curry powder, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Cook for another minute.
Add the diced butternut squash and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the squash is tender. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender to puree until smooth.
Return the soup to the pot, add coconut milk, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve.
>> Related Reading: 25 Indian-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
Sushi is a delicacy that beautifully combines the freshness of the sea with the artistry of Japanese culinary craft. A Thanksgiving feast is just the time to make some sushi at home!
Ingredients:
◻ Sushi rice (prepared according to package instructions)
◻ Nori (seaweed) sheets
◻ Sushi-grade fish (e.g., tuna, salmon, shrimp)
◻ Avocado, cucumber, and carrot strips
◻ Soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi for dipping
Directions:
Lay a bamboo sushi rolling mat on a clean surface and place a sheet of plastic wrap on top. Lay a sheet of nori on the plastic wrap, dampen your hands, and spread a thin layer of sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
Add your choice of fish, vegetables, and other fillings on top of the rice. Carefully roll up the sushi using the bamboo mat, applying gentle pressure.
Remove the bamboo mat and plastic wrap, then slice the sushi roll into bite-sized pieces.
Arrange the sushi pieces on a platter and serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.
You might be interested in reading this guide on >> 7 Reasons Why: Homemade Meals Could Elevate Your Life
Adding international dishes to your Thanksgiving table this year is not just about diversifying your meal but also about celebrating the richness of global cuisine and sharing the flavors of the world with your loved ones.
Whether you opt for the elegance of Japanese sushi rolls, the warm spices of Indian-inspired soup, or the hearty comfort of Mexican cornbread, these dishes will not only tantalize your taste buds but also create lasting memories around the dinner table.
This Thanksgiving, let your feast be a reflection of the diverse and interconnected world we live in, reminding us all of the importance of unity, appreciation, and delicious food. And remember, your one-stop shop for high-quality ingredients for international cuisines is Redlands Ranch Market!
Happy Thanksgiving!
