Gallina Rellena

Gallina Rellena translates to "stuffed hen," and it is a traditional dish served in Nicaragua during the month of December. The feast of the Conception of the Virgin Mary kicks off the Gallina Rellena season, and the dish remains popular all the way through Christmas and New Year's.

To make this Nicaraguan favorite, the hen is brined first, then stuffed with a creamy, sweet and sour stuffing before being baked in the oven.

The stuffing, or relleno, varies from household to household, but commonly includes pork meat and a variety of vegetables such as garlic, onions, celery, chayote, carrots, green peppers, and potatoes.

Breadcrumbs, milk, wine, butter, mustard, and tomato sauce help to hold the stuffing together, while raisins, capers, olives, and dried prunes can be found in various variations.

Gallina Rellena, served with plenty of bread, is a must-try Nicaraguan dish during the holiday season. Locals even prefer the next day's serving of stuffing, or recalentado!