In many countries with Judeo-Christian roots, the winter months are ”the holiday season.” It’s a time to come together with family and friends to give gifts, enjoy each other’s company, and most importantly (in my opinion) share a meal.
The foods people eat for their holiday meals may surprise you. Below is a list of some of my favorites from around the world and recipes so you can make them at home! Do you have any others to add? Tell us in the comments:
1) Norway - Lutefisk
Wikipedia Commons
One of my favorites on this list is Lutefisk, a fermented fish dish that is traditionally eaten around the Christmas season. Dried white fish (usually cod) is fermented in lye and then reconstituted and served with butter or a cream sauce. I’m not doing it justice here because it tastes better than it sounds! If you’re really ambitious trythe recipe above
2) Sweden - Julbord
Wikipedia Commons
Ever heard the term smörgåsbord? The Swedes do a special one called “julbord” on Christmas. It often includes several varieties of fish, bread dipped in ham broth, butter, cheeses, herring and beet salad, as well as julskinka (roasted ham). If that won’t keep you warm on a cold winter’s night, I don’t know what will!
3) South Africa - Malva Pudding
Wikipedia Commons
On the sweeter side, a traditional South African Christmas food is lekker pudding. It’s a bready dessert made with apricot jam, flour, and sugar. You’ll notice some similarities with this and the UK’s Christmas pudding (keep reading) because of Britain’s brief presence in South Africa.
4) Italy - baccala
Wikipedia Commons
One very traditional Italian holiday food is baccala. Eaten throughout the Mediterranean region, it can be prepared in many different ways. In the Northern region of Veneto, it’s cooked in milk, while in many regions of the South of Italy it’s served with hot peppers.
5) Britain - Christmas pudding
Wikipedia Commons
Christmas pudding is ubiquitous on a UK christmas table. A loaf made with dried fruits and sugar, many families have their own traditional recipes passed down for generations. Sometimes people douse it in alcohol and light it on fire for added effect!
6) Southern US - Black Eyed peas
Wikipedia Commons
In the Southern United States, eating black eye’d peas on New Years is thought to bring prosperity throughout the year. Often cooked with a hambone and served with cornbread, it’s a delicious way to ring in the new year.
7) Israel - Sufganiyah
Wikipedia Commons
To commemorate the miracle of the temple oil (which you can learn about here), Jews all over the world will eat fried foods during Hanukkah. One Israeli version is Sufganiyah, a fried jelly-filled donut. I’m getting hungry just writing about them!
8) Germany - Stollen
Wikipedia Commons
Another fruitcake-type dish from Germany is Stollen. The most famous variety comes from Dresden and its texture is often described as a cross between cake and bread. Yummy!
9) Brazil – turkey
Wikipedia Commons
Like many other countries, a lot of Brazilians will feast on Turkey for Christmas dinner. What makes Brazil unique is the wonderful fruit sauce they make to accompany the bird. The recipe above adapts traditional Brazilian fruits to some that are more available globally.
While the holiday season is an important time for many of us to eat a big meal and spend time with our loved ones, let’s not forget that many don’t have the opportunity to feast.
809 million people don’t have enough to eat. This year, let’s do all that we can to change the systems that keep people hungry
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Tom Blake
As Global Citizens we're coming #Together4Zero this holiday season. We want zero poverty by 2030, so we're taking advantage of every cheesy movie lesson to be learned that we can muster. No matter which time zone you celebrate the holidays in, there are always way to share the love with your neighbors across the globe. So Happy Holidays everyone, now please excuse me while I go enjoy a Santa Clause marathon.
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