In Colombia, the Christmas season is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and feasting on delicious traditional foods. Colombian Christmas food is a delightful mix of flavors and ingredients, with every region putting its own unique spin on the holiday favorites, including desserts, drinks, and hearty main courses.
Thinking of putting together a Colombian-style Christmas dinner this year? Then you’ll definitely want to try these authentic Colombian Christmas recipes and learn a bit about the country’s rich Christmas traditions.
Colombian Christmas Traditions
In Colombia, the Christmas season starts in early December and ends with the celebration of Epiphany on January 6. The holiday is celebrated with various customs and traditions, including decorating homes with lights and nativity scenes, and the familiar aguinaldos, small gifts exchanged among family and friends.
Colombian Christmas is a time for family and community, so much so that in some parts of the country, neighborhoods get together to organize large events known as novenas. During these events, neighborhoods take turns hosting a night of traditional music, dancing, and food, leading up to Christmas Eve. These novenas are all about coming together and sharing in the holiday spirit.
Colombian Christmas Food
Of course, no Colombian Christmas is complete without delicious food. From hearty main courses to exquisite desserts, Colombian Christmas food is a central part of the season’s festivities.
Lechona
The lechona is a stuffed, roasted pig that’s considered the main dish of a Colombian Christmas celebration. This succulent dish requires several hours of cooking, with the meat marinated in flavorful spices like cumin and achiote for several hours before it’s stuffed with a crunchy mix of pork rinds, rice, and veggies. The finished lechona is a delicious dish that’s perfect for a large celebration.
Cornmeal Arepas
Arepas are a staple in Colombian cuisine, and cornmeal arepas are a popular Christmas food. These arepas are made with cornmeal, which is mixed with water, salt, and sugar, then formed into small disks and fried to a golden brown. They’re perfect for serving alongside the lechona as a side dish.
Tamales
Tamales are another favorite Colombian Christmas dish. These delicious, steamed packages are made with a cornmeal dough wrapped around a filling of meat, potatoes, and other ingredients, then steamed in banana leaves. Tamales are widely considered one of the best foods for the Christmas season, and make a great addition to any Colombian-style Christmas dinner.
Hot Holiday Drinks
To wash down all the delicious food, many Colombians also enjoy hot holiday drinks during the Christmas season. Chocolate caliente is a thick, sweet hot chocolate that’s made with milk, sugar, and cocoa powder, and is best enjoyed with a handful of arepas or buñuelos.
Colombian Christmas Desserts
You’ll also want to save room for some delicious Colombian Christmas desserts this holiday season. These desserts come in all shapes and sizes, but all are full of authentic Colombian flavor.
Bunuelos
Bunuelos are a delectable Colombian Christmas treat that are similar to doughnuts, but even better! These fried dough balls are made with cheese and yucca, then rolled in sugar before being served. They’re a favorite Colombian Christmas dessert!
Natilla
Natilla is a sweet, custard-like dessert that’s similar to a rice pudding. It’s made with milk, sugar, and cornstarch, then flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. It’s a creamy and delicious Colombian Christmas treat that’s perfect for holiday entertaining.
Arroz con Leche
Arroz con leche is a traditional Latin American dessert that’s especially popular in Colombia during the holiday season. It’s made with milk, rice, sugar, and cinnamon, and it’s a creamy and delicious dessert that’s perfect for celebrating with family and friends.
Conclusion
In Colombia, Christmas is a time of celebration, family bonding, and, of course, delicious food. Whether you’re a Colombian ex-pat or a foodie looking to explore new cuisines, trying out some of these authentic Colombian Christmas recipes is a great way to get in the holiday spirit. So gather your friends and family, and have fun enjoying the flavors of Colombia this Christmas season!
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