festive Recipes
63 delicious festive recipes from around the world
Arroz Doce
A classic Portuguese rice pudding, Arroz Doce, is a comforting and festive dessert. It's traditionally decorated with a beautiful cinnamon pattern, making it a popular choice for celebrations and holidays.
Galette des Rois
A traditional French king cake, made with flaky puff pastry filled with a rich frangipane (almond cream). The lucky person who finds the hidden 'fรจve' (a small charm) is crowned king or queen for the day. Perfect for Epiphany celebrations.
Grzaniec Galicyjski (Galician Mulled Wine)
A fragrant and warming Polish mulled wine, traditionally enjoyed during the colder months, especially in the Galician region. This recipe is simple to make and perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy evening.
Karp w Galarecie (Carp in Aspic)
A traditional Polish Christmas Eve (Wigilia) delicacy, this dish features tender carp poached and set in a crystal-clear, flavorful aspic, often garnished with decorative elements.
Kulebyaka (Russian Layered Pie)
A magnificent and festive Russian layered pie, traditionally filled with fish, rice, and eggs, encased in rich yeast dough. This impressive dish is a showstopper for any special occasion.
Leitรฃo ร Bairrada (Bairrada-Style Roast Suckling Pig)
A quintessential Portuguese regional specialty from Bairrada, this dish features a whole suckling pig roasted to achieve incredibly crispy skin and tender, succulent meat. Traditionally cooked in wood-fired ovens, it's a celebratory dish perfect for gatherings.
Saffransbullar (Lussekatter)
Traditional Swedish saffron buns, often shaped into an 'S' or 'Lussekatt' (Lucia cat), are a beloved treat, especially for St. Lucia's Day on December 13th. The vibrant yellow hue comes from the precious saffron, and the sweet, aromatic dough is enriched with butter and milk.
Salat Mimosa (Layered Fish Salad)
A classic Russian layered salad, often served during celebrations, featuring flaky fish, tender vegetables, and creamy mayonnaise, all topped with a vibrant egg yolk "mimosa" garnish.
Seledka Pod Shuboy (Herring Under a Fur Coat)
A classic Russian layered salad featuring savory herring beneath a 'coat' of colorful, grated root vegetables and creamy mayonnaise. It's a festive and iconic dish, especially popular for New Year's celebrations.
Stollen
A traditional German Christmas bread, this rich fruit bread is studded with dried fruits and a core of sweet marzipan. A true Dresden specialty, it's perfect for festive occasions and can be made well in advance.
Fatteh
Lebanese layered dish - bread, chickpeas, yogurt, pine nuts. Festive breakfast.
Moghrabieh
Lebanese pearl couscous - giant couscous with chicken and chickpeas. Festive.
Fesenjฤn
Persian pomegranate walnut stew - chicken in rich walnut pomegranate sauce. Festive classic.
Tahchin
Persian rice cake - saffron rice with yogurt, baked until crispy. Elegant main.
Koofteh Tabrizi
Tabriz meatballs - giant meatball stuffed with treasures. Azerbaijan specialty.
Havij Polo
Persian carrot rice - jeweled rice with sweet carrots and orange. Festive and beautiful.
Albaloo Polo
Persian sour cherry rice - rice with sour cherries and meatballs. Sweet-sour jeweled.
Tahchin ba Morgh
Persian saffron rice cake with chicken - crispy bottom rice with chicken inside.
Fesenjan
Persian pomegranate walnut stew - chicken in rich dark sauce. Festive classic.
Tahchin-e Morgh
Persian saffron rice cake - crispy rice with yogurt and chicken. Showstopper.
Shirin Polo
Persian sweet rice - jeweled rice with orange peel and nuts. Wedding dish.
Ash-e Anar
Persian pomegranate soup - festive soup with pomegranate and meatballs.
Zereshk Polo ba Morgh
Persian barberry rice - saffron rice with tart barberries and chicken. Festive.
Albaloo Polo (Persian Sour Cherry Rice with Meatballs)
A beloved Persian dish, Albaloo Polo features fragrant basmati rice layered with a vibrant, sweet-sour sour cherry compote and tender, spiced meatballs. The result is a beautiful, jewel-toned rice dish perfect for special occasions.