Cuban Christmas Food Ideas for Festive Holidays!
In Cuban culture, Christmas Eve is the highlight of the holiday season, so you know they go all out to prepare a magnificent dinner. Besides delish food, the best part is the lively, festive salsa rhythms and family traditions passed down for generations. Cuban cuisine is a beautiful cultural fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, so you already assume it will be spicy, aromatic, and fun! Here is the best Cuban food to prepare for Christmas!
Lechón Asado – Cuban Pork Roast
Starting strong, roasted whole pig is a holiday staple in Cuba. Cubans prepare it in a “Caja China” – a large box-like oven, so it has a special aroma. Marinade for pork is fantastic – mojo sauce made with garlic, sour orange juice, and spices. YUM!
Moros y Cristianos – Cuban Rice and Beans
This dish is a perfect fusion of black beans (moros) and white rice (cristianos), but the secret to the unique aroma is rich herbs and spices. These two elements represent a cultural fusion: black beans symbolize the Moors (Muslims), and the white rice represents the Christians in Spain; intriguing, right?
Plátanos Maduros – Fried Plantains
This is definitely one of the most beloved side dishes in Cuban cuisine. It has a sweet, caramel-y flavor and soft texture, making it an ideal match to savory dishes – rice, beans, and meat. It complements dishes like Moros y Cristianos, Lechón Asado, and Ropa Vieja wonderfully!
Ensalada de Aguacate – Cuban-Style Avocado Salad
After all that meat, you’ll want something simple on the side! This Cuban avocado and onion salad with some refreshing dressing pairs flawlessly with anything you’re serving!
Flan Cubano
Everyone says this is the best and most loved Cuban dessert, so it is a staple for special occasions! It is not the simplest dessert to prepare, but its creamy, rich, and luxurious texture makes it all worth it.
Arroz con Pollo – Cuban Chicken and Rice
This is an authentic Cuban recipe, and I feel hungry just from looking at this photo. It is a perfect, aromatic fusion of chicken, rice, veggies, and spices. Arroz con Pollo is just what you need for Christmas – homey but not too heavy.
Black Beans and Rice Chicken
The Cuban Black Beans and Rice with Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish, combining marinated chicken, tangy mango salsa, and soft black beans, all served with cilantro-lime rice and sweet fried bananas.
Frijoles Negros – Black Beans
Frijoles negros are one more classic recipe from Cuban cuisine. It is just what its name says – black beans with spices. It is very common to make it for Christmas, as it pairs with pork roast impeccably.
Ropa Vieja – Cuban Beef Stew
As you can see, this is one more meat-centered dish on this list, but this one is slow-cooked beef in wine and broth. It is everything you’d want to serve for big gatherings – warm, hearty, rich, super flavorful, and a true crowd-pleaser.
Pastelitos de Guayaba – Guava Pastry
Who could say no to sweet guava paste wrapped in flaky pastry? Because Christmas in Cuba is pretty warm, confectioners with tropical fruits are a must! As soon as I find guava paste somewhere, I’m testing this recipe!
Buñelos Cubanos – Dougnuts in Syrup
Here is one more interesting sweet treat that is signature for Cubans. Submerged in spicy syrup made with cinnamon and anise – these pillowy yet crunchy pastries are a rhapsody of flavors. No wonder they are a staple for Christmas Eve!
Chicharrones – Fried Pork Skin
There is no Cuban party without chicharrones, right? This is one of those dishes that is not for everyone, as it involves deep-fried pork belly skins. When you drizzle it with lime juice, you get a super crispy, super salty, and super tangy bite (like a carnivore tequila).
Cubans and lovers of Cuban cuisine, thank you for these splendid recipes! Tradition and food are a truly perfect match!
