| Keyword |
Description |
| Romeritos |
A green seepweed plant, cooked for Christmas with mole and shrimp |
| Bacalao |
Salted cod fish, served with tomato sauce, potatoes, olives, and capers |
| Canned fruit |
Fruit sealed in a can or jar to keep it fresh, often in syrup or juice, and ready to eat anytime without spoiling |
In December, Mexicans celebrate Christmas with family feasts and iconic dishes passed down through generations. Families all over the country prepare classic recipes such as Romeritos Navideños, Bacalao, and Mexican Apple Salad, each one with a unique story and flavor. These meals are highlights of the holidays and bring people together for warm, joyful celebrations around the dinner table.
Romeritos Navideños is a traditional dish popular in central Mexico, loved for its earthy mix of ingredients and hearty taste. The recipe blends seepweed (a green vegetable called romeritos), mole poblano sauce, potatoes, nopales (cactus), and both dried and fresh shrimp. Shrimp patties are made, fried, and simmered together with the stew, creating a dish full of flavors. This meal is complex but rewarding, traditionally prepared for big family gatherings.
Bacalao is a cherished dish made with salted cod, famous especially on Christmas Eve. The cod is soaked and simmered, then cooked with tomatoes, potatoes, olives, capers, peppers, onions, and a touch of raisins. Its sweet and salty mix is comforting, and many families believe it's even tastier the next day, making it a holiday favorite. Each family may have their own variation, but the blend of ingredients and traditions remains the same.
Mexican Apple Salad is a sweet, creamy dessert salad that features fresh apples, nuts, cream, and canned fruits such as pineapple and peaches. Topped with cherries or raisins, it offers a refreshing end to any festive meal. This dish is simple to make and loved by kids and adults alike, adding a touch of sweetness to the Christmas table.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Generations |
Generaciones |
| Potatoes |
Papas |
| Apple salad |
Ensalada de manzana |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think families keep making these same dishes every year?
- Which of these foods would you like to try the most and why?
- How do Christmas meals in Mexico compare with holiday meals in your country?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Describe a food tradition from your family that is special during the holidays.
- Explain how sharing special dishes can help unite communities and families.
