The most typical Spanish recipes for Christmas

It's December and the Christmas spirit is here.

For Spaniards, it is a time for reunions and family gatherings.  In a country with such a rich gastronomic culture as Spain, it is to be expected that if there is one thing that traditionally characterises them, it is food. It is curious that, depending on the region we are in, some dishes are typical or others. 

In today's post, we will discover what they are and where the most common recipes for Spanish Christmas celebrations come from. 

Christmas stew
One of the classics, eaten all over the country, although with slight variations, is cocido. It is a hot and comforting dish, ideal to take the chill off the cold that usually sets in on Christmas Eve. 
Puchero, cocido, caldo, escudellà... different names, but, at the end of the day, the basis of the preparation for this recipe is the same: a meat broth. 
The rest of the ingredients are different, depending on the region. For example, in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, it is called escudella i carn dòlla, and they add a type of shell-shaped pastry called galets. In Murcia, on the other hand, they add meat balls. Which of these options would you like to try?

Roast lamb
Another popular dish at Christmas meals is roast lamb, a succulent delicacy for any diner. Although different meats can be used, lamb is quite common. Although it is also made in other parts of the world, in Spain it differs in that suckling lamb is usually used because of its milder flavour and the greater tenderness of the meat. 

Baked sea bream
This dish is most characteristic of Madrid, but it can be found on tables all over Spain. As not everyone is a meat lover, there is always another main option without meat, such as, for example, this recipe. In fact, other fish such as sea bass or snapper can be used, as long as they are large. After all, the intention is to share it with the family. 

Stuffed squid
Continuing with the classics of Spanish food and, in particular, of Christmas: stuffed squid. This recipe has a multitude of variations, as the stuffing can be adapted to suit everyone's tastes. It is a preparation that requires a lot of cooking time and a lot of patience, but we assure you that the result is worth it. 

Seafood 
Seafood is crowned as the delicatessen par excellence in Spanish homes.  It is true that it is a delicacy that is not suitable for all pockets, but there are some cheaper varieties that are always present on these occasions, such as prawns and king prawns.  
It is also often used at Christmas as an ingredient in other dishes such as seafood or fish soup.  

Nougat and Christmas sweets 
How could we finish this post without mentioning sweets! 
After the succession of delicacies we have seen, we cannot end with a bitter end.  
Spanish Christmas desserts and sweets would deserve a whole post and even then we would not finish mentioning them. We must highlight the turrones in all their variations: hard, soft, egg yolk, chocolate... There is something for everyone. Nor is there a table without polvorones, mantecados, roscos, marzipans, hojaldrinas... A wide repertoire that you absolutely have to try. 

Let us know which one is your favourite!
After reading this article, you've worked up an appetite too, haven't you? Don't wait any longer to continue discovering the rich Spanish gastronomy while you learn Spanish. 
At Costa de Valencia, Spanish language school, we have courses for all levels and ages. So you will find the one that best suits you. 

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