Delicious Mexican Christmas Dishes for a Feliz Navidad
December 15, 2023
Overview: This Christmas, why not add some international flavor to your holiday table? In this blog post, we’ll explore seasonal Mexican dishes that will bring you and your family a Feliz Navidad! Let’s create some magic in our kitchens!
The holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. In Mexico, Christmas, or “Navidad,” is a particularly festive and colorful time of year. It’s a time when traditional Mexican flavors come to life in a dazzling array of dishes that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the country.
Today, we’ll create culinary magic with some mouthwatering Mexican Christmas dishes that will make your holiday celebrations truly special, including some delectable meat-based options.
No Mexican Christmas celebration is complete without tamales. These tasty bundles of joy consist of masa (corn dough) filled with various ingredients such as meats, cheeses, and chilies. We highly recommend substituting Redlands Ranch Market prepared masa for added ease and authenticity! Let’s cook some for this holiday!
Ingredients:
◻ 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
◻ 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening
◻ 1 cup chicken or pork broth
◻ 1 tsp baking powder
◻ 1 tsp salt
◻ Corn husks, soaked in warm water
Filling:
◻ Shredded cooked chicken or pork (of your choice)
◻ Red or green salsa (of your choice)
◻ Sliced olives
◻ Sliced jalapeños
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the lard or shortening until fluffy. Gradually add masa harina, baking powder, and salt, mixing well.
Slowly pour in the broth while continuing to mix until you achieve a soft, spreadable consistency.
Rinse and soak corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry.
For the next step, spread a thin layer of masa mixture onto each corn husk, leaving space on the edges. Add a spoonful of shredded meat and a teaspoon of salsa. Fold the sides of the husk towards the center and fold the ends to enclose the filling.
Steam tamales for 1.5 to 2 hours until the masa is firm. Serve hot!
>> Related Reading: 15 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Tamales
Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup that is often enjoyed during the holiday season. This hearty dish features hominy (dried corn kernels that have been treated with an alkali) and meat, typically pork or chicken. The soup is seasoned with a rich blend of spices.
Ingredients:
◻ 1 pound pork shoulder, cubed
◻ 2 cans hominy, drained and rinsed
◻ 1 onion, chopped
◻ 3 cloves garlic, minced
◻ 2 tsp dried oregano
◻ 1 tsp cumin
◻ Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes:
◻ Shredded cabbage
◻ Radishes, sliced
◻ Limes, cut into wedges
◻ Dried oregano
Directions:
In a large pot, combine pork, hominy, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.
Serve hot, garnished with shredded cabbage, radishes, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
Enjoy your Pozole with some good side dishes >> What to Serve with Pozole – 39 Best Side Dishes
Bacalao a la Vizcaína is a dish with Spanish origins that has become a Christmas staple in Mexico. Let’s blend some cultures this time!
Ingredients:
◻ 1lb salted codfish, soaked and desalted
◻ 2 cups tomato sauce
◻ 1 onion, finely chopped
◻ 2 cloves garlic, minced
◻ 1/2 cup green olives, pitted
◻ 1/4 cup capers
◻ 2 red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and sliced
◻ Olive oil
◻ Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Rinse the salted cod under cold running water to remove excess salt.
Soak the cod in a bowl of cold water for at least 24 hours, changing the water several times to ensure the salt is fully removed.
Once soaked, drain and flake the cod into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine with the onions and garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Add the sliced green olives, capers, and chopped almonds to the tomato base. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper, adjusting to taste.
Gently fold the soaked and flaked salted cod into the tomato mixture, ensuring it’s well coated with the flavorful sauce.
PS: Be careful not to break the pieces of cod; they should hold their shape in the final dish.
This Christmas, bless your taste buds with traditional Mexican dishes. And as you embark on your culinary journey to infuse a touch of Mexico into your Christmas celebration, consider taking it a step further with Ranch House BBQ.
Elevate your holiday spread with the smoky and savory flavors offered by Ranch House BBQ’s premium meats and authentic barbecue expertise.
Transform your festive gathering into a memorable experience that blends the warmth of Mexican traditions with the hearty satisfaction of barbecue delights.
