Traditional Mexican End-of-Year Recipes to Spice Up Your Holiday Feast

Happy Holidays! December is here, and we are very excited about the Holidays! With that in mind and continuing with our tradition of bringing some of the best Mexican recipes throughout the year, we wanted to share with you a few that are just right for this season.

We all know this is the season to indulge, so why not do it with Mexico’s rich and vibrant culinary tradition to spice things up this December? Most people in Mexico primarily celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but rest assured that even with that influence, these dishes will help you elevate your festive feast with the authentic flavours of traditional Mexican cuisine regardless of what you celebrate. From tamales to ponche, we’ve compiled a list of mouthwatering recipes to transport your taste buds south of the border.

Tamales Navideños (Christmas Tamales): Ingredients:

• Corn husks
• Masa harina
• Shredded chicken or pork
• Ancho chilies
• Spices (cumin, garlic powder, oregano)
• Chicken broth
• Sliced olives and raisins (optional)

Instructions: Soak corn husks, prepare the masa, and fill each husk with a savoury mixture of seasoned meat, chilies, and other optional ingredients. Steam until the masa is cooked through, and unwrap to reveal the deliciousness within

Enchiladas Rojas: Ingredients:

• Corn tortillas
• Cooked and shredded chicken or beef
• Red chili sauce
• Queso fresco
• Chopped onions and cilantro

Instructions: Dip tortillas in red chili sauce, fill with the seasoned meat, roll them up, and place them in a baking dish. Top with more sauce, cheese, and bake until bubbly. Garnish with fresh onions, cilantro, and enjoy!

Pozole: Ingredients:

• Hominy (dried or canned)
• Pork shoulder
• Dried guajillo chilies
• Garlic, onion, and bay leaves
• Radishes, shredded lettuce, lime, and oregano for garnish

Instructions: Simmer pork and hominy with aromatic spices and guajillo chili broth until the flavors meld. Serve hot with a variety of garnishes, allowing everyone to customize their bowl.

Buñuelos: Ingredients:

• Flour
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Baking powder
• Warm water
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions: Mix the ingredients to form a dough, roll it thin, and fry until golden brown. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a sweet, crispy treat that’s perfect for dessert or snacking.

Ponche de Fin de Año (New Year’s Punch): Ingredients:

• Water
• Sugar cane
• Apples
• Guavas
• Tejocotes (Mexican hawthorns)
• Cinnamon sticks and cloves
• Hibiscus flowers (jamaica)

Instructions: Boil the fruits, sugar cane, and spices to create a fragrant punch. Serve warm, and for an extra kick, add a splash of rum or tejocote liqueur for the adults.

This Christmas, celebrate with the bold and festive flavours of Mexico. Whether you’re making tamales with loved ones or sipping on warm ponche by the fireplace, these traditional recipes are sure to add a touch of spice and warmth to your holiday festivities. ¡Feliz Navidad y buen provecho!