The Christmas Feast: The story behind every dish

The Christmas feast is a tapestry of traditions, practices, and cultural heritage woven together over centuries. As the holiday season approaches, tables worldwide shall begin to fill with dishes that embody the spirit of Christmas – each rich in history! The warmth of spiced mulled wine, the crackle of roasts cooking! And the indulgence that comes with decadent puddings and mince pies, a perfect conclusion to the feast!

Have you wondered where or how it all began? That fabulously roasted and scrumptious turkey or chicken leg, the strange yule log, and the ham you wash down with a warm glass of mulled wine? That’s what we aim to uncover today!

The Origin Story

The Christmas story is not the simple story of the birth of Christ. It is a collision of cultures and civilisations, traditions, and myths. Christmas is composed of a complex layer of ancient traditions, pagan rituals, cultural influences, and religion with a recent dose of commercialism!

And when it comes to the contemporary feast, more recently, its roots can be traced back to medieval England, where grand banquets were held to mark the festive season. These elaborate gatherings often featured roasted meats, stews, and copious amounts of spiced mulled wine, celebrating abundance and community during the coldest months.

Over time, these traditions evolved, drawing inspiration from various European customs. From the goose roasts of Germany to the Bûche de Noël (Yule log) in France, each culture has contributed to the modern Christmas table.

In England, the centrepiece of the feast shifted from roasted boar to turkey by the 16th century, a tradition popularised by King Henry VIII. Meanwhile, Christmas puddings, rich with dried fruits and spices, became a staple, symbolising good fortune for the year ahead. These customs crossed oceans, blending with local ingredients and flavours to create diverse and unique celebrations worldwide.

Key Components of a Christmas Feast

Main Course: Turkey, Roast Chicken and Ham

Originating from North America, turkey became a Christmas staple in England during the 16th century, thanks to explorers who brought it back from the New World. King Henry VIII is often credited with making it popular during the festive season.

While turkey dominates the Christmas table, roast chicken has become a common alternative, particularly in smaller gatherings. This tradition likely stems from the affordability and availability of chicken compared to larger birds. In regions like the UK and parts of Europe, roast chicken began to appear more frequently on Christmas menus in the 20th century as a practical option for families.

If you’re wondering how to perfectly roast chicken this Christmas — look no further! This guide by Vikhroli Cucina helps you with the know-how. All you need is some Real Good Whole Chicken, flavoured with a slew of spices, slathered in a generous amount of butter!

The tradition of serving ham during Christmas traces back to the Germanic tribes who sacrificed wild boars to the Norse god Freyr, symbolising prosperity and fertility.

Sides: Stuffing, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots and cranberry sauce

Stuffing, which has its roots in ancient Rome, was used to add flavour and moisture to meats. Over centuries, it became a festive essential, varying by region.

Potatoes were introduced to Europe in the 16^th century and quickly became a staple. Mashed potatoes became popular as a holiday comfort food in the 18^th century.

Carrots have long been part of winter harvests, and glazing them with honey or sugar originated in medieval kitchens as a way to preserve sweetness.

Native to North America, cranberries were used by Native Americans for food and medicine. Pilgrims adopted the fruit, and by the 19^th century, cranberry sauce became a holiday accompaniment.

Desserts: Christmas Pudding, Mince Pies and Yule Logs

Christmas puddings originated in medieval England as a porridge-like dish called ‘frumenty’. It evolved into a dense pudding made with dried fruits and spices by the 17^th century.

Mince pies trace their origins to 12^th century Middle Eastern cuisine, where spices and fruits were used in meat dishes, representing the gifts of the Magi. Returning crusaders introduced these flavours and techniques to British cooking. Over time, the meat was phased out, leaving the sweet, spiced filling we enjoy today.

Inspired by another ancient Norse tradition of burning a yule log, the French transformed this custom into the Bûche de Noël, a rolled sponge cake decorated to resemble a log.

Modern Day Christmas Feasts

As the world becomes more interconnected, the Christmas feast reflects the diversity of global culinary influences. Vegan and gluten-free alternatives have become increasingly popular, ensuring that everyone can partake in the celebration. Roasted vegetables take centre stage, plant-based roasts rival traditional meats, and desserts are crafted to accommodate dietary needs without compromising on indulgence.

Fusion dishes, inspired by Asian, African, and Latin American cuisines, add vibrant flavours and new traditions to the holiday table. From tamales to sushi platters, Christmas feasts are evolving to reflect the multicultural communities that celebrate them.

From plum cakes to hearty vindaloos, the magic of Christmas is definitely in the kitchen. And the modern Christmas meal puts convenience above all - and what better way to celebrate it than with easy-to-make Yummiez chicken nuggets as appetizers! Watch how Analee Cerejo rings in the Christmas festivities with Godrej Yummiez and Jeresey!

What’s on your Christmas menu this year? Do you have a secret family recipe or a favourite traditional dish? Let us know in the comments.