Classic Colombian Christmas FoodÂ
Let’s take a walk through the classic, traditional Colombian Christmas menu! I must say, there are some dishes that require a lot of time, so it’s no wonder they are holiday staples – making them once a year is enough job whatsoever. But one thing is for sure: it is time when the kitchen comes alive with aromas of rich spices, sizzling treats, and the unmistakable scent of tradition. Here is a little list of traditional and most common Christmas recipes from Colombian cuisine!
Natilla – Cinnamony Heaven
Starting strong with an all-time Colombian Christmas staple – custard-like dessert, aka natilla. This silky smooth dessert spiced up with cinnamon has one secret ingredient you will see in many recipes of Colombian cuisine – panela (delicious unrefined cane sugar.) This recipe is super easy to follow, and I’m definitely adding it to the list of dishes to make this holiday season!
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Buñuelos – Cheese Fritters
Buñuelos is Natillas best friend, and for a good reason. These are fried cheese balls, and they have a rather specific flavor, which pairs flawlessly with rich natillas. The texture is the star here, though, as buñuelos are super crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, so save this recipe!
Lechona – Stuffed Pig
Lechona is a star dish of Colombian festive feasts! It requires quite a skill in the kitchen, so it is no wonder that this savory goodness steals a spotlight each time. It is a pig stuffed with rice, veggies, and spices and roasted to golden-brown perfection. I would love to try it!
Ajiaco Bogotano – Colombian Soup
There is no better time for comfort foods than Christmas time, right? This chicken soup calls for three different kinds of potatoes that give the perfect texture, creaminess, and depth to the dish. However, the signature ingredient here is actually a herb – guasca- that offers a special flavor that is unique to Colombian cuisine.
Hojuelas – Crunchy Pastry
I’m only waiting for this heatwave to pass to make these crispy pastries! I’m so eager to try them out that I can’t wait for Christmas to make them. They call for a few ingredients only, making them one of those surprisingly delicious foods our grandmothers made. You know it is a fine traditional recipe when it can be whipped up from a few pantry staples in 20 minutes!
Canelazo – Christmas in a Cup
I feel like every country has its own signature holiday drink. In Colombia, that is most definitely canelazo – a warm alcoholic beverage that smells like a Christmas in a cup. It is a warm-flavored fusion based on aguardiente (sugar cane liquor) and induced with cinnamon, which is definitely a must-have of the season.
Pandebono – Mini Cheese Bread
This savory cheese bread is not only famous for the holiday season but also all year round. These small, chewy balls are pretty simple to make but definitely call for some special ingredients. To make them, you’ll need cassava starch, masarepa, and Columbian quesito. Plus, the thing is – they pair flawlessly with other staple Christmas dishes!
Tamales – Colombian Bundles of Joy
Tamales recipe in Colombia varies from region to region, but one thing always stays the same – they are a symbol of togetherness and tradition. The preparation process is a true labor of love, as it takes a long time. The base is always masa (corn dough), which is then loaded with other ingredients like pork, chicken, potatoes, peas, and carrots… check it out!
Manjar Blanco – Milky Dessert
This is one more “labor of love” recipe, and I wouldn’t dare to make it alone for the first time. It takes a while to achieve the right consistency, sometimes even hours of constant stirring, because rice flour and milk are very prone to burning, especially in pairs. But, this makes an activity for the whole family – you get to mix together and then reward yourselves with a creamy heaven.
Sancocho – Chicken and Veggie Stew
This hearty dish is a crossover between soup and stew, perfect for wintery days. The base is chicken broth (and chicken, of course), plus some amazing vegetables like cassava, potatoes, plantains, and an absolute staple of Colombian cooking – corn on the cob. I read that every region has its own recipe and ingredient pairing, so I would love to know about them, too!
Torta Negra – The Black Cake
As you can see, Colombians go all out on desserts, so it is only logical to finish this list with the queen of sweets – the black cake. This is a rich, flavorful, and dense cake loaded with nuts dried, and candied fruits. If you’re wondering why it is called torta negra, it is because of burnt panela, which gives it a signature black shade. P.S. Don’t forget the rum!
Dear chefs, thank you for sharing your amazing recipes with us! But more importantly, thank you for the pieces of beautiful Colombian tradition and hospitality!
