Typical Christmas meals on the Costa Blanca

Typical Christmas meals on the Costa Blanca 

Christmas on the Costa Blanca is not only a time of celebration and joy, but also a time to enjoy the region’s rich gastronomy. With unique culinary traditions that reflect Mediterranean influences and local produce, Christmas tables on the Costa Blanca offer dishes full of flavour, history and diversity. From fresh seafood to traditional sweets, here are some of the most typical dishes that are a must during the Christmas festivities in this part of Spain.

The Importance of Food at Christmas Parties

Food plays a fundamental role in Christmas celebrations on the Costa Blanca. As well as being a source of nourishment, it is a time to get together with family and friends, share stories and strengthen emotional ties.

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Unforgettable dishes of the Christmas table

1. Starters and Seafood

A Christmas dinner on the Costa Blanca usually begins with a selection of starters that stand out for their freshness and quality. Seafood, in particular, is the star at this time. Dishes such as red shrimp from Denia or white shrimp from Calpe, considered a delicacy in the region, or fresh crayfish and clams are some of the favourites. These shellfish are served both grilled and in cold cocktails, and are usually accompanied by a good white wine from the region, such as those made from the muscatel grape.

Another common starter is esgarraet, a dish that combines roasted red peppers with shredded cod and extra virgin olive oil. It is a tasty and light option that is much enjoyed in the area and that prepares the palate for the main courses.

2. Christmas Cauldron and Festive Rice Dishes

Rice is one of the essential ingredients of the Costa Blanca cuisine, and at Christmas it cannot be missing from the table. One of the star dishes is the Christmas cauldron, a creamy rice made with rock fish that provides an intense and delicious flavour. In addition to the cauldron, it is also common to see rice dishes such as the arroz del señoret (a typical dish of the Costa Blanca throughout the year) or rice with lobster at Christmas dinners, where the seafood is mixed with the rice and becomes an ideal option to share with the family. Although Arroz a banda is , it is especially popular at Christmas. Fideuá: Similar to arroz a banda, but made with thick noodles, fideuá is another of the star dishes of Alicante gastronomy.

3. Stews – Cocido or Puchero con pelotas

Cocido con pelotas is one of the most typical stews of traditional Christmas cuisine on the Costa Blanca. There are several varieties. On the Costa Blanca, puchero (putxero) is the typical dish for Christmas Day. Made with different types of meat, vegetables and legumes. The meatballs are usually made from lean pork or beef, with egg, parsley and pine nuts, mixed with breadcrumbs.

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4. Traditional Meat Dishes

Although the Costa Blanca has a strong seafaring tradition, meat dishes are also prepared at Christmas. One of the most popular is roast lamb or stuffed turkey, which are served as a main course in many families in the region. These dishes are usually cooked slowly, with herbs such as rosemary and thyme, which give them a Mediterranean touch. You can also find roast suckling pig on some tables, accompanied by potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

5. Typical Christmas Sweets

Traditional sweets are an essential part of Christmas on the Costa Blanca. The Alicante and Jijona nougats, famous throughout the country, are a must. The Alicante nougat is hard in texture, made from whole almonds, while the Jijona nougat is soft and made from ground almonds, which gives it a smooth and creamy texture.

As well as nougats, other typical sweets include polvorones and mantecados, which are made from flour, butter and sugar. Also enjoyed are aniseed rolls and sweet potato cakes, which are typical of this region and add a special touch to the Christmas table. The Alcoy peladillas, made from almonds and sugar, are a delicacy that you cannot miss.

6. Christmas Drinks

To accompany these dishes, on the Costa Blanca it is common to enjoy a mistela, a sweet wine made from muscatel grapes that is perfect to pair with Christmas desserts. Sparkling wines, Cavas or Vermouth from the region are also tasted, which accompany toasts at family celebrations.

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Tips for enjoying Christmas food on the Costa Blanca

If you have the opportunity to visit the Costa Blanca on Christmas, don’t hesitate to try its typical dishes. Here are some tips to make the most of this experience:

• Traditional restaurants: Look for family restaurants where you can taste authentic Alicante cuisine.
• Christmas markets: At the Christmas markets on the Costa Blanca you will find a wide variety of local products, such as nougat, sweets, sausages or cheeses.
• Cooking classes: If you want to learn how to prepare typical dishes from the Costa Blanca, you can sign up for a cooking class (here)

Christmas on the Costa Blanca is a reflection of the gastronomic and cultural wealth of this region. With a variety of dishes that combine the best of the sea and the land, this season is the perfect time to enjoy Mediterranean flavours at their best. Traditional Christmas dishes not only offer a feast for the palate, but also represent the spirit of sharing and celebrating with loved ones.

These festivities on the Costa Blanca are a gastronomic experience you won’t want to miss!

Bon appetit!

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