When it comes to celebrating the holidays, nothing brings my family together quite like traditional Mexican Christmas food. I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish; the aroma of spices filled the kitchen, and it felt like a warm hug on a chilly night. This flavorful blend of masa, chicken, and zesty green chilies is not just a meal, but a cherished tradition passed down through generations. Every bite is a wonderful mix of comforting textures and bold flavors that dance on your palate. I love how this dish captures the essence of festive gatherings, making it an absolute must on our holiday table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it holds such a special place in our hearts during the most wonderful time of the year!
Ingredients List
To make this deliciously festive Mexican Christmas dish, you’ll need some simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 4 cups of masa harina: This is the star of the show! It’s a special corn flour that gives the dish its unique texture and flavor.
- 1 cup of chicken broth: You’ll use this to moisten the masa and bring everything together. Homemade is best, but store-bought works too!
- 1 cup of shredded chicken: Feel free to use leftover roasted chicken or even rotisserie chicken for convenience. This adds protein and makes it hearty.
- 1/2 cup of diced green chilies: These little guys add a lovely kick! You can use fresh or canned, depending on what you have on hand.
- 1/2 cup of grated cheese: I love using a Mexican blend, but you can use any cheese that melts well. It adds creaminess and flavor.
- 1/4 cup of sour cream: This is optional, but it gives a nice tangy flavor and richness that complements the dish beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder: This will help the dough rise a bit and get that perfect texture.
- 1 teaspoon of salt: Essential for bringing out all those delicious flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin: This spice adds warmth and depth to the dish. Trust me, you don’t want to skip it!
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to create a festive masterpiece that will fill your home with wonderful aromas and happy memories!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and I promise, it’s super easy to follow. Here’s how to whip up this delightful Mexican Christmas dish:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that everything bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, salt, and cumin. Give it a good stir to blend those dry ingredients together.
- Next, start adding the chicken broth gradually. Mix it in with your hands or a spatula until a soft dough forms. Don’t worry if it seems a bit crumbly at first; just keep mixing until it holds together!
- Now comes the fun part! Fold in the shredded chicken, diced green chilies, and grated cheese. Make sure everything is evenly distributed—every bite should have a bit of that goodness!
- Once your mixture is ready, shape it into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Then, gently flatten each ball to create little discs.
- Place the flattened dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space apart. You don’t want them to stick together while baking!
- Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should turn a lovely golden brown when they’re done.
- Once baked, take them out and let them cool for just a few minutes. Serve them warm with a dollop of sour cream on the side for that extra touch of creaminess!
And there you have it! A delightful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends during the holiday season. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this festive dish ready to bake in no time!
- Flavorful and festive: The blend of spices and ingredients creates a delightful taste that captures the essence of Mexican Christmas food.
- Gluten-free option available: Made with masa harina, this dish is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions.
- Family-friendly dish: Kids and adults alike will love these tasty bites, making it a great choice for gatherings and celebrations.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Mexican Christmas dish turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t rush the dough: When mixing the masa harina and chicken broth, take your time! The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too dry, add a little more broth, a tablespoon at a time.
- Spice it up (or down): If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the mixture. For a milder flavor, simply skip the green chilies or use a mild variety.
- Cheese choices: While I love a good Mexican blend, don’t hesitate to experiment! Cheddar or Monterey Jack work wonderfully too. Just make sure it melts well for that gooey goodness.
- Perfectly shaped discs: Use a little water on your hands to prevent the dough from sticking while you shape the balls and flatten them. This makes the process smoother and keeps things tidy!
- Leftover magic: If you have leftover cooked meats, like pork or turkey, they can be great substitutes for the chicken. Just shred them up and fold them in for a different twist!
- Serving suggestion: These little delights are fantastic as is, but you can enhance them even more with toppings! Try fresh avocado slices, a sprinkle of cilantro, or even a drizzle of salsa for added flavor.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to craft a holiday dish that’ll wow everyone at the table. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about this Mexican Christmas dish is how versatile it can be! Here are some delicious variations you can try to mix things up and cater to different tastes:
- Pork Power: Swap out the chicken for shredded pork. It adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.
- Vegetarian Delight: For a meat-free option, substitute the chicken with black beans or pinto beans. Just mash them up a bit and fold them into the dough for a hearty filling.
- Cheesy Goodness: Want to amp up the cheese factor? Add a bit of cream cheese or pepper jack cheese to the mixture for an extra creamy, spicy twist!
- Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to give your dough a fresh, vibrant flavor. It’s a simple way to brighten things up!
- Spice it Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add some diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky kick. It’ll add depth and excitement to every bite.
- Seasonal Veggies: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like roasted corn or diced bell peppers for added texture and flavor. It also makes the dish more colorful!
Feel free to get creative with these variations! Each twist offers a new taste experience while keeping the heart of this traditional Mexican dish alive. Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect combination!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delightful Mexican Christmas dish. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect:
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 6g
This dish is not only festive and delicious but also provides a nice balance of flavors and nutrients. Enjoy every bite while knowing you’re treating yourself to something wholesome!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made this delicious Mexican Christmas dish, you might find yourself with some leftovers. Don’t worry, it’s easy to store and reheat them while keeping all that wonderful flavor intact!
To store your leftovers, let the pieces cool completely at room temperature first. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. This helps to keep them fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from mingling in your fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days—just make sure to label your container with the date!
When you’re ready to enjoy these tasty bites again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. You can cover them loosely with aluminum foil to avoid over-browning. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through. This method keeps the outside nice and crispy while warming up the inside perfectly!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat them in the microwave. Just pop them on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for about 30 seconds to a minute, depending on your microwave’s power. But remember, the oven method is my favorite for keeping that delightful texture!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor the flavors of this festive dish even after the holiday celebrations are over. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this Mexican Christmas dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the discs a day before. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, take them out, let them come to room temperature, and pop them in the oven. It’s a great way to save time on the big day!
What if I can’t find masa harina?
If masa harina is hard to find, you can use cornmeal as a substitute, but it will change the texture a bit. Another option is to make a simple dough using all-purpose flour, though it won’t have the same authentic taste as traditional Mexican Christmas food.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! These little delights freeze beautifully. Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned earlier.
What can I serve with this dish?
You can’t go wrong with some delicious sides! I love serving these with a fresh salad, rice, or even a side of beans. For a festive touch, try pairing them with salsa, guacamole, or a homemade pico de gallo. They complement the flavors beautifully!
Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! Since it’s made with masa harina, which is naturally gluten-free, this Mexican Christmas dish is perfect for those avoiding gluten. Just be sure to check your other ingredients, like the broth, to confirm they’re gluten-free as well!
Mexican Christmas Food: 7 Comforting Dishes to Savor
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A traditional Mexican Christmas dish featuring a flavorful blend of spices and festive ingredients.
Ingrédients
- 4 cups of masa harina
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup of diced green chilies
- 1/2 cup of grated cheese
- 1/4 cup of sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, salt, and cumin.
- Add chicken broth gradually and mix until a dough forms.
- Fold in shredded chicken, green chilies, and cheese.
- Shape the dough into small balls and flatten them.
- Place the flattened dough on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with sour cream.
Notes
- Can substitute chicken with pork or beans for a vegetarian option.
- Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- Best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 25 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 6g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 6g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: Mexican Christmas food, traditional Mexican dish, holiday recipes
