Let’s talk about traditional food at Christmas in Cozumel

Christmas in Cozumel is a time for celebration and feasting, and the traditional food reflects the island’s rich culinary heritage. Here are some of the most popular and delicious dishes that you’ll find on Cozumel during the holiday season:

1. Romeritos en Mole: This unique dish features romeritos, a green leafy vegetable that resembles rosemary, cooked in a rich and flavorful mole sauce. The mole is typically made with a variety of ingredients, including chilies,spices, nuts, and chocolate, giving it a complex and earthy flavor. Romeritos en mole is often served with shrimp patties and potatoes, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
2. Bacalao a la Vizcaína: This traditional dish features dried salted codfish, or bacalao, stewed in a tomato-based sauce with capers, olives, and potatoes. The codfish is typically soaked in water overnight to remove some of the salt, and then simmered gently in the sauce until it is tender and flavorful. Bacalao a la Vizcaína is a popular choice for Christmas Eve dinner, as it is a symbolic dish representing the abundance of the sea.
3. Tamales: Tamales are a staple of Mexican cuisine, and they are especially popular during the Christmas season in Cozumel. These steamed corn dumplings can be filled with a variety of savory ingredients, such as pork, chicken,vegetables, or cheese. They are typically wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, and are often served with a spicy salsa or mole sauce.
4. Ensalada de Nochebuena: This colorful and festive salad is a must-have for any Christmas Eve meal in Cozumel.It typically includes lettuce, beets, apples, carrots, pineapple, jicama, pecans or peanuts, and pomegranate seeds.The salad is dressed with a vinaigrette or a sweet and tangy dressing, and it is often garnished with colorful sprinkles or chopped nuts.
5. Buñuelos: These sweet fritters are a popular treat during the Christmas season in Cozumel. They are made from a light and airy dough that is fried until golden brown, and then dusted with cinnamon sugar. Buñuelos are often served with a warm honey or piloncillo syrup for dipping.
6. Ponche: This traditional Christmas drink is a warm and flavorful beverage that is enjoyed throughout the holiday season in Cozumel. It is typically made with a combination of fruits, such as apples, oranges, guavas, and tamarinds, and is spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and anise. Ponche is often served hot or cold, and it can be enjoyed with or without alcohol.

These are just a few of the many delicious traditional foods that you’ll find on Cozumel during Christmas. With its blend of Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean influences, the island’s cuisine is sure to tantalize your taste buds and make your Christmas celebration truly memorable.  At MeetupCozumel https://m.facebook.com/groups/463815510459666 on December 19th we will celebrate the Christmas season with a tamale buffet and the drink Ponche.