It is almost impossible to separate Christmas from certain traditions; presents, Christmas trees, and one thing some of us would say was one of the best parts of Christmas – the food. A Christmas dinner consisting of Turkey, stuffing, roast potatoes and more delicious treats is what springs to most peoples’ minds when they envisage their grub on Christmas day. However, drool-filled dreams of Christmas dinner are not the same across the world; many countries have their own unique foods and treats to eat during the festive season. Here are some, which are absolutely delicious!
- Hallaca (Venezuala)
This is a corn dough stuffed with a meat stew, adorned with things such as raisins, capers and olives. In some variations it is wrapped in plantain leaves. This is traditionally eaten around the Christmas season, and has even been described as Venezula’s national dish because it is so delicious and popular!
(Image: http://www.xklibur.com/archives/2013/12/11/como-preparar-hallacas-caseras/)
2. Beigli (Hungary)
This tasty treat is an Eastern European classic! This pastry filled with a dense poppy seed filling is commonly eaten at both Christmas and Easter time.
(Image: https://www.123rf.com/photo_50361845_beigli-is-the-famous-traditional-hu…)
3. Spiced Beef (Ireland)
This is a form of salt beef, and then cured with spices. It is usually broiled, boiled or semi-steamed in either water or Guinness and then roasted. Its not a complicated dish, but it requires preparation and patience but the outcome is delicious.
(Image: https://www.pinterest.fr/pin/557039047644782571/)
4. Bigos (Poland)
Eaten as a hot starter or a main course, Bigos is a delicious polish dish of finely chopped meat, which is stewed with with sauerkraut and shredded fresh cabbage. It is traditionally served with boiled potatoes or rye bread, and is often eaten at both Christmas and Easter time as it can be prepared in ample quantities beforehand. Its an extremely comforting dish and warming in the coming winter months.
(Image: w/bigos-stew#KRX3LWzSfwHD7tZY.97)
5. Pavo Trufado de Navidad (Spain)
A Christmas Turkey stuffed with truffles – yes, you heard me correctly. It uses the traditional turkey we eat, but glams it up with exuberant truffles.
(Image: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/anilicea/pavo/?lp=true)
6. Risalamande (Denmark)
Now we come to a dessert! This is a cold rice pudding mixed with vanilla, whipped cream and chopped almonds, all lovingly served with cherry sauce. It is eaten after a Christmas dinner, and is a lighter alternative to a hefty Christmas pudding which the British traditionally eat. If you (like so many people) aren’t a fan of Christmas pudding, then give this a try instead.
(Image: https://www.daringgourmet.com/risalamande-danish-almond-rice-pudding-wit…)
7. Imbuljuta tal-Qastan (Malta)
While this isn’t actually a Christmas food, this traditoinal Maltese New Year’s drink seems foolish not to include. It is made using cocoa, chestnuts, cloves and citrus zest, and consumed after Midnight Mass, as well as New Years Eve.
(Image: https://www.196flavors.com/malta-imbuljuta-tal-qastan/)
8. Stollen (Germany)
Stollen will be, perhaps, the most well-known of the foods on this list. For those who are unsure what Stollen is, it is a fruit bread containing dried fruit and covered with powdered sugar or icing sugar. The great thing about stollen is that its available in British supermarkets! So head to Sainsburys and get yourself this tasty treat to enjoy over the festive season.
(Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stollen)
9. Feast Of Seven Fishes (Italy)
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is part of the Italian-American Christmas Eve celebration. This is quite self-explanatory; a feast comprised of seven seafood dishes. The abundance of seafood is supposed to reflect the tradition of abstinence from red meat until the feast of Christmas Day itself.
(Image: http://www.mariobatali.com/the-feast-of-seven-fishes/)
10. Moro de Guandules (Domincan Republic)
Rice, Pigeon peas and coconut are the ingredients that make up this delicous dish. It is a traditional christmas food, but can be a warming supper all year round.
(Image: http://www.mariscakes.net/2011/01/moro-de-guandules-o-arroz-con-guandule…)
11. KFC Fried Chicken (Japan)
Yes, you read that correctly. In Japan, every Christmas season an estimated 3.6 million Japanese families buy themselves fried chicken from the American fast-food chain. The nationwide tradition is likely to have been popularised after a marketing plan, calling it Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii, or Kentucky for Christmas.
(Image: https://www.kfc.com/menu/promotions/20-fill-up)
12. Pavlova (New Zealand)
The New Zealand staple, Pavlova is loved by Kiwis all year round, but is particularly popular during the Christmas period. It is a meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust and soft inside, usually topped with whipped cream and fruit. This is an extremely light pudding- potentially popular in the month of December not only because of tradiiton, but because summer begins in December, and a light dessert is needed in those hot summer months!
(Image: http://media.newzealand.com/en/story-ideas/a-taste-of-the-real-kiwi-pavl…)
So there we have it – here are some extremely tasty festive foods from around the world. We haven’t included everything, but let us know what your favorite Christmas foods are in the comments!