Christmas in Peru, much like in other Latin American countries, is celebrated with deep-rooted traditions, bringing families together for a memorable feast on December 24th. As a predominantly Christian nation, Christmas holds special significance for many Peruvians, and the occasion is marked by a large, festive dinner just before midnight. The Christmas table overflows with a blend of unique dishes that showcase the country’s cultural diversity, with influences from Spain, Italy, Africa, and Asia mingling with local Peruvian flavors and ingredients.
For a peek into a truly Peruvian Christmas, let’s explore some of the most beloved dishes that make this holiday season deliciously unforgettable.
Iconic Peruvian Christmas Dishes
Stuffed Turkey (Pavo Relleno)
Pavo relleno, or stuffed turkey, is the star of many Christmas dinners in Peru. The traditional recipe has several unique Peruvian touches, such as the use of orange juice, garlic paste, soy sauce (sillao), and pisco, the country’s iconic spirit, for marination. These ingredients add a tangy, savory depth to the turkey that sets it apart from typical holiday roasts elsewhere. Often accompanied by sweet and savory side dishes, stuffed turkey takes center stage as families gather around to share this holiday meal.
Apple Puree (Puré de Manzana)
This smooth, slightly sweet apple puree is an ideal pairing with the richness of the roasted turkey. Made from green apples, sugar, cinnamon, and butter, apple puree adds a touch of freshness to the meal. Although it’s not often served with other dishes throughout the year, it becomes a must-have for Christmas celebrations in Peru.
How to Make Apple Puree:
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice green apples into chunks.
- Cook the Apples: Place the slices in a saucepan with a small amount of water, just enough for steaming. Optionally, add cinnamon sticks for an aromatic touch.
- Simmer: Cover the saucepan and let the apples cook for about 15 minutes or until soft.
- Blend or Mash: Puree the softened apples in a blender or mash them with a potato masher for a chunkier consistency.
- Add Sweetener (Optional): For a child-friendly or naturally sweet option, skip added sugar.
Different apple varieties will yield slightly different flavors and textures, but sweet, soft apples like McIntosh or Fuji are commonly recommended for the best puree.
Sweet Potato Puree (Puré de Camote)
For those who prefer a richer, heartier side, sweet potato puree is a popular alternative to apple puree on the Peruvian Christmas table. Combining sweet potatoes with orange juice, sugar, cinnamon, butter, and a hint of nutmeg, this puree is as comforting as it is flavorful. Its creamy texture and warm spices bring an inviting sweetness that complements the savory elements of the meal.
How to Make Sweet Potato Puree:
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into uniform 1 ½-inch cubes.
- Steam or Boil: Place sweet potato chunks in a steamer basket or boil them in salted water until they are easily pierced with a fork (about 15–20 minutes).
- Blend or Mash: Drain the sweet potatoes and blend them in a food processor until smooth, or mash them for a chunkier texture.
If you have extra, sweet potato puree can be stored in the fridge for up to five days or frozen for later.
Lighter Christmas Fare: Christmas Salad (Ensalada Navideña)
To balance the rich flavors of a Peruvian Christmas feast, many families serve a refreshing ensalada navideña. This festive salad combines fresh ingredients like shredded cabbage, apples, carrots, canned pineapple, grapes, and almonds, dressed with a light yogurt-based sauce. The salad provides a welcome contrast to the heartier dishes, adding a crisp, refreshing element to the table.
Christmas Rice (Arroz Navideño)
A holiday specialty that often graces Peruvian tables, arroz navideño is a savory rice dish featuring bits of bacon, chopped onion, garlic, spinach, almonds, pecans, and sometimes a mix of colorful bell peppers. While it’s considered a Christmas delicacy, this festive rice dish is delicious enough to be enjoyed year-round and pairs well with roasted meats or poultry.
Panettone: The Italian Influence on Peruvian Christmas (Panetón)
Panettone, or panetón in Spanish, is a sweet bread originally from Italy that has become a beloved Peruvian holiday tradition. This dome-shaped bread is filled with raisins and dried fruits and is lightly dusted with powdered sugar. It’s typically enjoyed alongside a cup of hot chocolate, especially on Christmas Eve.
Tips for Baking Panettone:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Accurate measurements make a big difference; if possible, use a digital scale for measuring flour and other ingredients.
- Plan Ahead: Panettone requires multiple steps and resting times, so creating a schedule can be helpful.
- Store Properly: Wrap leftover panettone tightly in foil. It lasts about five days but can be frozen for up to two months.
Traditional Peruvian Hot Chocolate (Chocolate Caliente Peruano)
While hot chocolate is a winter favorite in many countries, Peru takes it to the next level with the addition of rich Peruvian cacao. The drink is thick, aromatic, and slightly bitter, providing the perfect complement to sweet panettone. This pairing is cherished across Peru, making it a heartwarming staple for Christmas celebrations.
Staying Healthy with Peruvian Christmas Dishes
Although Christmas is a time for indulgence, there are lighter options within Peruvian cuisine that can make for a balanced holiday meal. The Christmas salad, with its fresh ingredients, is a great way to add fiber and vitamins, while leaner cuts of turkey and moderate portions of starchy sides help maintain a nutritious balance. Homemade versions of classic dishes also allow for control over sugar, salt, and fat content.
How to Store and Preserve Peruvian Christmas Leftovers
Since these dishes are often prepared in generous quantities, knowing how to store and preserve leftovers can ensure they’re enjoyed beyond the holiday:
- Refrigeration: Leftovers like pavo relleno, arroz navideño, and salads should be refrigerated in airtight containers. Most of these dishes will last up to five days.
- Freezing: Dishes like sweet potato puree can be frozen in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
- Panettone Storage: Wrap in foil and keep at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze panettone in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to retain moisture.
Creating Your Own Peruvian Christmas Feast
From stuffed turkey to sweet treats, crafting a Peruvian Christmas feast is an experience that brings family and friends together around the table. Each dish celebrates a piece of Peru’s rich culinary history and culture, making the holiday season a time for not only sharing food but also honoring tradition.
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas in Peru or looking to bring these flavors to your own table, these dishes offer a festive taste of the country’s unique approach to the holidays. By preparing these recipes and serving them alongside traditional treats like hot chocolate and panettone, you can enjoy an authentic Peruvian holiday meal no matter where you are in the world.
FAQs
What are traditional Peruvian Christmas dishes?
Traditional Peruvian Christmas dishes include pavo relleno (stuffed turkey), puré de manzana (apple puree), puré de camote (sweet potato puree), arroz navideño (Christmas rice), ensalada navideña (Christmas salad), panettone, and Peruvian-style hot chocolate.
Is panettone a Peruvian dish?
Originally from Italy, panettone has become a Peruvian holiday favorite, often enjoyed with hot chocolate. It was introduced in the 1960s and has since become a staple of Christmas in Peru.
What makes Peruvian hot chocolate unique?
Peruvian hot chocolate is made with locally sourced cacao, giving it a richer and more intense flavor. It’s traditionally paired with panettone on Christmas Eve, adding a uniquely Peruvian twist to the holiday season.