The holidays are a perfect time to experience different cultures and try new things! One of the best (and most delicious) ways to do so is by trying new foods. These are a few recipes you should try with family and friends this holiday season.
1. MExican Tamales
Tamales were always a staple in my house growing up. Whether it was Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s, you could always find tamales being made in the kitchen. There are a few different ways to make these delicious masa dough tamales. Some are filled with red chile pork, others are made with a green sauce and chicken, and others are stuffed with rice and beans. Whatever kind you try will be delicious and I highly encourage you to make them from scratch to experience an authentic Mexican dish!
2. Senegalese thieboudienne
Senegalese Thieboudienne is the National Dish of Senegal, often eaten during Kwanzaa. This dish consists of smoked fish, vegetables and tomato sauce, all cooked in one pot. Many Senegalese cooks often add potatoes, cassava, squash, or pumpkins to their thieboudienne, but most vegetables would work just as well. Once prepared, thieboudienne is served on broken rice, but it can also be mixed in with the stew if preferred.
3. Christmas pudding
Christmas Pudding is a sweet pudding originating in the United Kingdom and dates back to the 14th century. Christmas pudding is made up of dried fruits such as raisins and prunes, suet, brown sugar, breadcrumbs, citron, lemon peel, orange peel, flour, mixed spices, eggs, milk and brandy. It is often enjoyed during Christmas time (hence the name) in England, and this tradition has also spread to other parts of the world such as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and even Canada.
4. Roasted Dinde (turkey)
If you don’t want to step out of your comfort zone too much and would prefer a meal similar to the traditional American holiday season, a roasted French turkey is a perfect choice. This turkey is often prepared with a chestnut stuffing and is served with roasted potatoes, chestnuts and even apples.
5. Pork Vindaloo
Pork Vindaloo is a traditional Indian stew. It originates from the state of Gao and is influenced by a Portuguese dish called Carne de Vinha D’Alhos. Pork Vindaloo is often prepared with a red chile and vinegar sauce, a tamarind paste, and lots of garlic. This dish is often served with a cup of rice and lots of water due to its intense heat from the chiles.
6. Pasteles en hoja
Pasteles en Hoja, also known as Dominican tamales, are a dish served in countries such as Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The dough to make these Tamales often consists of plantain and other root vegetables and is stuffed with chicken or beef and wrapped in banana leaves. These delicious Dominican treats are often enjoyed during Christmas time and many families choose to store their leftovers in the freezer and enjoy them during the weeks that follow.
7. Baklava
Baklava is a pastry enjoyed in and originating from the Middle East, Turkey, and Greece. Though the recipes often differ depending on culture and location, for the most part the main ingredients include phyllo dough, honey, cinnamon, and nuts. Baklava is traditionally a diamond shaped pastry made up of many layers of dough. Baklava is often served during religious ceremonies such as Christmas, Easter, Ramadan, and Rosh Hashanah, but of course is also enjoyed without a special occasion and as an everyday treat.
As you can see, there are many different dishes from around the world that can be tried during the Holidays. These are just a few ideas of easy traditional meals from Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America that you can implement into your celebrations this season, or really at any time throughout the year!