As we deck the halls with boughs of holly, it is time to get your grilling hat on and add a global twist to your feast. Whilst many UK residents enjoy a traditional turkey dinner, it can be a...
As we deck the halls with boughs of holly, it is time to get your grilling hat on and add a global twist to your feast. Whilst many UK residents enjoy a traditional turkey dinner, it can be a nice change to switch it up now and then. For 2023, why not embrace the season by offering your guests a taste of Christmas from around the globe? Whether you’re cooking at home, catering an event, or looking to add a unique Christmas dinner to your menu, we have created this blog to help prepare you for the season! Around the world, Christmas tables are adorned with various meats, some of which you might not have heard of. Here at Cinders, we believe in celebrating this diversity with a sizzle and a sear, so here is how you can bring international Christmas flavours to your table by using your barbecue.
Iceland ‘hangikjöt’– Lamb
In the heart of Icelandic Christmas, you’ll find ‘hangikjöt’ which means ‘hung meat’, a traditional smoked lamb dish that is infused with a unique flavour. The process of smoking hangikjöt is deeply rooted in Icelandic tradition, where the available resources dictated the smoking method, traditionally using birch wood or sheep dung. Due to the process, hangikjöt is difficult to find in restaurants and other countries, so a grilled leg of lamb has become a popular alternative. To create your own version, simply grill your leg of lamb and serve it with traditional Icelandic sides such as potatoes, peas, and a creamy sauce.
Sweden ‘Julskinka’ – Ham
Julskinka is a Christmas ham that is traditionally boiled and glazed with a mustard crumb coating. To adapt this Scandinavian classic for your barbecue, grill your ham on low heat to ensure it cooks thoroughly without losing its moisture or tenderness. Once the ham is cooked, glaze it with mustard and honey for a beautifully sweet and savoury dish. To complete this Swedish feast, serve your 'Julskinka' with a side of 'Janssons Frestelse', a creamy potato and anchovy casserole, and pickled red cabbage for a true taste of a Nordic Christmas.
If you require some help, we suggest taking a look at the Scandi Kitchen’s Swedish Christmas Ham and Jansson’s Temptation recipes.
Australia – Shrimp
Down under, Christmas comes in the heat of summer, making a barbecue the perfect way to celebrate. Shrimp on the barbie isn’t just an Aussie cliché; it’s a Christmas staple. Marinate your shrimp in a mixture of garlic, lemon juice, and herbs, then thread them onto skewers and grill over high heat. Serve with a tangy dipping sauce for a festive starter that will please all of your guests!
Norway ‘Ribbe’ – Pork Belly
Heading back to Scandinavia, ‘Ribbe’ or ‘Juleribbe’ is a pork belly dish that holds a place of honour across many dinner tables in Norway. Revered for its crispy crackling and rich, succulent meat, this dish is bound to impress friends and family at Christmas time. It is often accompanied by sauerkraut, apple slices, and 'medisterkaker' (spiced pork meatballs) which you can grill too. To achieve the crunchy crackling, you must start by scoring the rind and rubbing it with coarse sea salt and leaving it out to dry in the refrigerator. This process will ensure the skin transforms into a prized crispy layer. After 2-3 days of drying, you can grill the pork on an indirect heat to create a delicious Christmas dish.
Germany ‘Weihnachtsgans’ – Goose
For many German households, goose or duck is the meat of choice for Christmas dinner, typically served with cabbage and potato dumplings for a hearty meal. This recipe by Food and Wine provides instructions on how to cook goose legs to perfection, glazed in a delicious cherry coating. Although this recipe uses an oven to cook the goose, simply swap it out for a grill to infuse the goose skin with a tasty, barbecue flavour. Depending on the number of guests you are catering for, you can serve these goose legs as a starter, or you can choose to grill an entire goose for a full feast.
Puerto Rico ‘Lechón Asado’ – Suckling Pig
Lechón asado is a whole suckling pig, which is slow cooked on the grill until the middle is tender and the skin is golden brown. The allure of this dish reaches across waters to the Dominican Republic, Philippines, and Spain, where it is equally enjoyed during the holiday season. This dish involves marinating the pork in a rub of garlic, oregano, black pepper, and vinegar before it's slow-roasted until the skin turns to irresistible golden crackling and the meat falls off the bone.
New Zealand – Fish
In New Zealand, Christmas arrives in summer, prompting Christmas dishes that are fresh and light, suitable for the warmer weather. Whilst many still enjoy meats such as turkey, ham, or beef, it is not uncommon for barbecued fish to be a favourite choice, similar to their neighbours in Australia. Locally caught snapper, terakihi, or salmon are popular, taking centre stage on the Kiwi Christmas table. Grilling these delicacies on the BBQ allows their natural flavours to meld beautifully with the subtle smokiness imparted by the grill. If you are inspired to try something completely different to a classic British roast, you could introduce fish onto your menu. These BBQ salmon parcels by New Zealand Woman’s Weekly Food are perfect, as they are easy to make whilst being incredibly flavoursome.
Japan – KFC Chicken
Finally, Japan has a rather unconventional Christmas tradition that has captured the hearts of many – KFC! This unique custom has its origins in a highly successful marketing campaign from the 1970s that presented KFC as a Christmas meal. Since then, ‘Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii!' or 'Kentucky for Christmas!' has become a widespread slogan, leading families across Japan to enjoy buckets of the Colonel’s chicken. Whilst nipping out for a KFC is easy, we suggest cooking your own version, which is just as tasty and slightly healthier. This recipe by Taste of Home shows how to make Kentucky Grilled Chicken, perfect for home cooks, chefs, and caterers.
From Norwegian ribbe to the KFC buckets in Japan, Christmas is a time to celebrate with family, friends, and good food.
At Cinders, we are happy to help you incorporate these international traditions into your Christmas grilling. If you want to venture out and try something different to turkey, these dishes are a great way to introduce another culture. Should you be inspired to don the chef's hat and introduce a touch of originality to your festive menu, we're here with our range of high-quality barbecue equipment and accessories to help you embark on your culinary adventure. Our top-tier grills are designed to accommodate gatherings large and small, making them an ideal choice for your Christmas celebrations, and for those who aren't looking to buy at this moment, our local search for barbecue rental service is just the ticket to sizzle up your holiday feast without the commitment of a purchase.
