The Filipino Christmas Countdown: 12 Dishes for the Noche Buena

Ah, the Noche Buena - a feast that defines the heart and soul of a Filipino Christmas. It's not just about the gifts or the sparkling lights; it's the culmination of a long-standing tradition that brings families and communities together in a delightful culinary celebration. Noche Buena, meaning "Good Night" in Spanish, is a cherished Filipino Christmas Eve tradition where loved ones gather to share a bountiful feast as the clock strikes midnight.

In the Philippines, Christmas isn't just a day; it's a season filled with joy, generosity, and an abundance of delicious food. Noche Buena holds immense significance, embodying the spirit of togetherness, love, and the sharing of blessings among family and friends. The feast symbolizes gratitude and reflects the resilience of Filipino traditions amidst diverse cultural influences.

Noche Buena traces its roots back to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, blending indigenous practices with European traditions. Spaniards introduced the concept of a grand feast on Christmas Eve, which Filipinos embraced wholeheartedly, infusing it with their own unique flavors and customs. The festive gathering became a cornerstone of Filipino Christmas celebrations, a time for merry-making and, of course, feasting.

Here are the 12 Dishes Filipinos commonly served for Noche Buena at their dining tables.

Main Dishes:

• Ham

  A Christmas staple, the ham is typically glazed with pineapple or honey and served with a side of mashed potatoes or rice

• Queso de Bola

  This red and round Dutch Edam cheese is a symbol of prosperity and abundance. It is often served with crackers or sliced thinly and eaten on its own

• Lechon

  A whole roasted pig is a centerpiece of many Noche Buena feasts. It is a labor of love and requires hours of preparation, but the result is a crispy, flavorful dish that is sure to impress.

• Morcon

  This savory embutido is made with ground meat, eggs, cheese, and spices. It is typically rolled in bacon or banana leaves and then steamed or baked.

Side Dishes:

• Fruit Salad

  This refreshing salad is made with a variety of fruits, such as pineapple, papaya, grapes, and apples. It is often served with a creamy dressing.

• Buko Salad

  This creamy salad is made with young coconut meat, kaong, sweetened condensed milk, and cream. It is a popular dessert in the Philippines and is often served during the Christmas season.

• Chicken Macaroni Salad

  This Filipino-style macaroni salad is made with elbow macaroni, chicken, carrots, onions, and a sweet and creamy dressing. It is a popular side dish for Noche Buena and other Filipino celebrations.

• Crema de Fruta

  This Filipino dessert is made with layers of ladyfingers, custard, and fruits. It is a rich and decadent treat that is perfect for Noche Buena.

• Leche Flan

  This Filipino version of crème caramel is made with milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. It is a classic dessert that is always a crowd-pleaser.

Additional Dishes:

• Lumpiang Shanghai

  These Filipino spring rolls are filled with ground pork, onions, and spices. They are typically deep-fried until golden brown and served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

• Spaghetti

  Filipino-style spaghetti is a sweet and savory dish that is made with ground beef, hotdogs, onions, and a tomato-based sauce. It is a popular dish among Filipinos of all ages.

• Pancit

  This noodle dish is made with a variety of ingredients, such as shrimp, pork, chicken, and vegetables. It is typically served with a soy sauce-based broth.

Recipe Highlight: Lechon

Ingredients:

• Whole pig (around 50-60 pounds)

• Salt

• Pepper

• Lemongrass

• Garlic

• Soy sauce

Steps:

1. Clean the pig thoroughly and pat it dry.

2. Rub salt, pepper, crushed lemongrass, and minced garlic all over the pig, including the inside cavity.

3. Marinate the pig with soy sauce for a few hours or overnight for enhanced flavor.

4. Roast the pig over an open flame for several hours until the skin turns crispy and golden brown.

Tip: Baste the pig regularly with a mixture of soy sauce and water for added moisture and flavor

Personal Anecdotes:

Growing up, my family always prepared the lechon together for Noche Buena. The whole process, from cleaning the pig to the roasting, was a labor of love that brought us closer as we eagerly awaited the feast.

Noche Buena encapsulates the heartwarming essence of Filipino Christmas—a time of love, unity, and, of course, fantastic food. As you prepare for this festive occasion, remember the deeper significance behind each dish and the joy of sharing these culinary treasures with those you hold dear. Let the spirit of Noche Buena resonate within you and spread the warmth of the season wherever you go. Maayong Pasko! (Merry Christmas!)