Fleskesteg, turkey, borsch with dumplings, or What to eat for Christmas in different countries
In Russia, for Christmas, it is customary to gather as a family at a common table that is bursting with traditional beautiful dishes. A popular holiday is celebrated in many other countries of the world, albeit on different dates. Here are some interesting dishes that Christians love to indulge.
Ukraine
On Christmas Eve, in the morning it is customary to cook ritual food - kutya and uzvar. The fire in the stove for a holiday was ignited in a special way: firewood was rubbed against each other or set on fire by a flint. It was believed that a living spirit was preserved in this way. For kutya, wheat needs to be soaked in advance, and water must be collected for it before sunrise. It was believed that at night God himself illuminates the water.
Nuts, poppy seeds, raisins and honey were added to cooked wheat. Our ancestors believed that millet is a symbol of eternal life, and honey is the embodiment of happiness. The dish was washed down with a drink from dried fruits - apples, dried apricots, prunes. Uzvar reminds us of the usual compote, but its taste is more saturated.
A holiday can never do without traditional dumplings, the birthplace of which is considered to be Ukraine. They are also called boiled pies. The dish is boiled in boiling water and generously seasoned with greaves - overcooked pork fat. The filling may be different:
- cabbage;
- potatoes;
- cottage cheese;
- cherry;
- mushrooms;
- bean or pea puree.
Today, for the test, everyone mainly uses wheat flour. Earlier, buckwheat and rye could also be used. The dough was kneaded on serum with the addition of eggs.
Denmark
In Denmark, a Christmas table is set on December 24th. They either serve goose with potatoes, red cabbage and sauce, or baked pork. Such a traditional festive dish is called flæskesteg.
Dessert makes rice pudding with almonds. There is a belief: if a nut is caught during a meal, it will be lucky next year. From drinks exhibit beer and mulled wine.
Portugal
Rice garnish is popular, so it is served with a wide variety of dishes, including traditional squid or grilled octopus - polvo à lagareiro, batatas a murro. The Portuguese are big lovers of fish products, but on Christmas they cook either roast lamb, or bake a whole kid.
For the holiday, every housewife tries to bake as many sweet flour products as possible. Classic Christmas cupcake called Bolorei
Britannia
The English celebrations begin even in the afternoon, when a traditional turkey is served for lunch. As a side dish, they offer fried potatoes, boiled or steamed vegetables, Brussels sprouts. Cranberry sauce goes well with tender meat. For dessert - pudding.
In medieval England, either a peacock or a wild boar was prepared as the main dish. But in the 18th century, French Jesuits brought turkeys into the country. Since that time, the dish has firmly entered the life of the entire state.
Poland
A classic Polish dish is borsch with dumplings. Beetroot starter is the basis for mushroom broth and “ears” - small boiled pies with mushroom filling.
Cabbage rolls with potatoes are considered a very unusual treat. In pre-steamed cabbage leaves add a filling of raw potatoes, semolina and fried onions. Stuffed cabbage is baked in a sauce of tomato paste and sour cream.
Guatemala
In Guatemala, they eat tamale: in this country they are black and white, salty and sweet. The dish is a tortilla based on cornmeal, wrapped in leaves and steamed.In tamale add a wide variety of fillings:
- chopped meat;
- cheese;
- fruits or vegetables;
- slices of chili pepper.
Eating it at midnight, the locals celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Sweden
In Sweden, it is customary to cook ham: it is first boiled, then covered with glaze from eggs, crackers and mustard. Also served at the table:
- pork sausages;
- meatballs with tomato;
- a mixture of eggs and anchovies;
- pickled herring or salad based on it;
- potato wedges.
Special respect is enjoyed by lutefisk. Such fish are soaked in an alkaline solution, and then kept in water.
Traditionally cooked casserole "The Temptation of Jansson." On the rings of onions and potato slices spread anchovies, then repeat all 3 layers of products. It should be borne in mind that fish carries the bulk of spices in the dish: they should not be carried away. Pieces of butter are put on top and everything is poured with cream. The festive food is baked in the oven until crisp.
Philippines
For Filipinos, Christmas Eve is celebrated from midnight mass. A ham is put on the table, and as a side dish - spaghetti or rice, as well as balls of cheese and fruit salad.
The gastronomic symbol of Christmas in this country is the Puto Bumbong national dessert. The delicacy is sweet purple rice, steamed in bamboo tubes. A bright color is obtained using potatoes or sweet potatoes. On the table, the dish is dropped on banana leaves; decorate it with coconut and flavored with butter.
