Noche Buena Recipe: 5 Must-Try Dishes for Family Gatherings

Noche Buena is the heart of every Filipino Christmas celebration, where families gather to share meals filled with love and tradition. Here’s a list of classic, easy-to-make Noche Buena recipe that will make your gathering unforgettable.

1. Chicken Macaroni Salad for Noche Buena

A creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 500g elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup condensed milk
• 1 cup diced pineapple
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
• In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, mayonnaise, condensed milk, diced pineapple, and grated cheese. Mix well.
• Add the cooked macaroni and mix until everything is evenly coated.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

2. Noche Buena Recipe: Lechon Kawali

A crispy, golden pork belly dish that’s always a hit.

Ingredients:

• 1kg pork belly
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• Water (for boiling)
• Cooking oil (for frying)

Instructions:

• Place pork belly in a pot and cover with water. Add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and cook until the pork is tender (about 1-1.5 hours).
• Remove the pork from the pot, pat it dry, and let it cool completely.
• Heat cooking oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the pork belly until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Be cautious of oil splatter.
• Slice into pieces and serve with liver sauce or vinegar dip.

3. Spaghetti Filipino Style

A sweet and savory pasta that everyone loves.

Ingredients:

• 500g spaghetti
• 2 cups Filipino-style spaghetti sauce
• 500g ground beef
• 1 cup sliced hotdogs
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Grated cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

• Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• In a large pan, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
• Stir in hotdogs and spaghetti sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
• Mix the sauce with the cooked pasta. Top with grated cheese before serving.

4. Noche Buena Recipe: Embutido

A flavorful pork roll that’s easy to make and slice.

Ingredients:

• 500g ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced (optional)
• Aluminum foil (for wrapping)

Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix ground pork, breadcrumbs, carrots, bell peppers, and raisins. Season with salt and pepper.

Lay a sheet of aluminum foil on a flat surface. Spread the pork mixture evenly, forming a rectangle. Place sliced eggs in the center, if using.

Roll the mixture tightly into a log, sealing the foil ends.

Steam for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let cool before slicing into medallions.

5. Fruit Salad

A quick and refreshing dessert to cap off the meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (800g) fruit cocktail, drained
• 1 cup all-purpose cream
• 1/2 cup condensed milk

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, combine the drained fruit cocktail, cream, and condensed milk. Mix gently.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. Serve cold.

These recipes will ensure a successful Noche Buena feast filled with delicious dishes and lasting memories!