Traditional Christmas Food in Colombia

 

Two of the best ways to get to know a country’s culture is to learn about its food and traditions. That’s exactly why you should learn and indulge in traditional Colombian Christmas dishes. Colombia is a large and diverse country, and each dish is proof of its richness and history. European and African heritages mix with native flavors to give way to incredible dishes that you just can’t miss. Take a look at these delicious dishes and give them a try.

Tamales

 

There’s a saying that goes “Christmas without tamales is not Christmas”. The tamal is Colombia’s Christmas dish par excellence. Each region has its own version and many argue about who has the best recipe. The truth is that no matter what kind of tamal it is, it’s the dish you will find most often at end-of-the-year celebrations.

 

Typically, tamales are prepared with corn flour, various types of meat such as chicken and pork, chickpeas, peas, carrots, eggs, and many spices, and it is wrapped in banana leaves. In some regions, they add potatoes, pumpkin, or capers, while in others, such as Nariño, it is prepared with rice flour instead of corn flour. The name comes from the Nahuatl word “tamalli” which means “wrapped,” and is a mixture of European and local ingredients with native preparation methods.

 

While tamales can be eaten at any time of the day, they are most commonly eaten for breakfast, especially on December 25th and January 1st. It’s perfect for those mornings when the whole family gathers for delicious food and holiday cheer.

Buñuelos

 

Another must-try Christmas treat is the buñuelo. It’s part of the great family of fried dough and comes to us from ancient Greece. Since discovering the magic that happens when you mix flour and cheese and fry it, the buñuelo has become a favorite for many Colombians. It’s made of queso costeño (salty cheese), corn flour, yucca starch, milk, sugar, eggs, salt, and baking powder, and is fried to perfection. There are different versions across the country; in Antioquia, they are filled with soft cheese, arequipe, or chocolate.

 

The buñuelo is characteristic of Christmas celebrations, and you will find it in every bakery and in every family Christmas gathering, especially to celebrate the novenas (a series of prayers that are said the nine days leading up to Christmas).

Natilla

 

A classic Colombian Christmas dessert is natilla. This delicious dish was created in Spanish and French convents, where it was made with milk, wheat flour, and sugar.

 

The first region where it was prepared in Colombia was Antioquia, where the recipe was modified to use local ingredients: corn flour, panela (raw cane sugar), and cinnamon. In addition, other ingredients such as coconut, cheese, and raisins were added over time.

 

Today, natilla is on every Colombian family’s dining table during the Christmas season. The creation of instant premixes has made it much easier to prepare than in the past, and it can now be found in many other flavors such as passion fruit and blackberry.

Lechona

 

 

Lechona is an exquisite delicacy of Spanish tradition that has been adapted to Colombian cuisine. This dish is mainly prepared in the interior of the country, especially in the regions of Tolima, Santander, and Huila.

 

It’s prepared inside of a whole baked pig, stuffed with pork, yellow peas, and spices. There are some places where rice is added, although this usually generates controversy among lechona lovers. This dish is usually accompanied by arepas and “insulso”, a kind of natilla made with corn flour, panela, cinnamon, and water.

 

Lechona is a popular dish for big celebrations not only because of its incredible flavor but also because of its preparation, which results in generous portions. This makes it the perfect dish for Colombians, as they usually have large families who love good food.

Hojuelas

 

 

Finally, we cannot forget the hojuelas, also called hojaldras or arepuelas. This is yet another delicacy from the wonderful group of fried dough from the old continent. 

 

This is one of the oldest Christmas snacks in Colombia and is a favorite of families in Medellín and Valle del Cauca. Besides being a Christmas essential, it is also very common during Easter celebrations.

 

Hojuelas are made from inexpensive and easily available ingredients: wheat flour, sugar, orange juice, egg, butter, and salt. Sometimes cinnamon, vanilla essence, or milk can be added. It’s a recipe that allows you to experiment and create your own fun version.

 

Colombian Christmas food is full of culinary gems. Whether you are fortunate enough to share these holidays with the locals or you want to cook some of these delicious dishes for your family, you are sure to love Colombian Christmas food. If you’re curious about Colombian culture and gastronomy, we have the perfect tours for you: the Coffee Tour and the Guatapé Tour. On these tours, you’ll be able to enjoy the best local dishes that Medellin has to offer. Contact us to book your tour and immerse yourself in the most delicious Colombian cuisine.