The holidays bring people together in so many ways, but food is often at the center of it all. A familiar dish can carry memories, comfort, and connections to culture or family history. At the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, we see every day how meaningful a warm meal can be, especially during this time of year. Many families in our region celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or a mix of traditions, and each holiday comes with recipes that reflect the importance of heritage and celebration.
But traditions don’t need complicated or expensive ingredients. In fact, many holiday dishes can be made using pantry basics found at our partner agencies throughout our service area. From rice and canned vegetables to flour, potatoes, and spices, simple ingredients can become powerful symbols of community and culture.
Below, we’re sharing cultural recipes for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa that are pantry friendly.
Why Cultural Holiday Dishes Matter
Every holiday table looks different. Some families cook foods passed down through generations. Others create new traditions. For many, these dishes are more than just a meal. They’re reminders of where they come from, who taught them to cook, and the people and stories they hold close.
Understanding the traditions our community values helps us better serve the thousands of families who rely on help from the Food Bank and our partners during the holidays and throughout the year.
Christmas Dish | Hearty Chicken and Rice Bake
Christmas meals vary across cultures, but many classic dishes can be made with ingredients that are easy to find at food pantries, like onions, rice, canned vegetables, chicken broth, and basic seasonings.
Chicken and rice dishes are comforting, budget friendly, and widely adaptable depending on what ingredients are available.
Pantry-Friendly Ingredients:
- Uncooked rice
- Canned chicken, drained
- Canned vegetables (such as peas, carrots, or green beans)
- Chicken broth or water
- Cooking oil or butter
- Salt and pepper
- Any available dried herbs or spices
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, combine rice, canned chicken, canned vegetables, and broth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any available spices.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Click here for the full recipe.
Hanukkah Dish | Classic Potato Latkes (Pantry Staple Version)
Hanukkah celebrates light, resilience, and the miracle of oil, which is why many dishes are fried. While some recipes are more elaborate, many traditional foods can be made with simple items like potatoes, onions, flour, and oil.
Pantry-Friendly Ingredients:
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Flour
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking oil for frying
Steps:
- Peel and grate the potatoes and onion.
- Squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean towel.
- Mix the grated potatoes and onion with flour, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Drop spoonful’s of the mixture into the hot oil and flatten slightly.
- Fry until golden brown on both sides, then drain on paper towels.
Click here for the full recipe.
Kwanzaa Dish | Tomato and Vegetable Jollof Style Rice
Kwanzaa celebrates African heritage, unity, and shared values. Many dishes served during Kwanzaa come from African, Caribbean, and Southern traditions. These meals often center on shared plates and comforting flavors.
Jollof rice is beloved across West Africa and can be adapted using pantry staples like rice, canned tomatoes, onions, and canned vegetables.
Pantry-Friendly Ingredients:
- Uncooked rice
- Canned tomatoes
- Onion
- Canned vegetables
- Cooking oil
- Broth or water
- Salt, pepper, and any available spices
Steps:
- Sauté chopped onion in oil until soft.
- Add canned tomatoes and cook for a few minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Stir in rice, canned vegetables, and broth or water.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any available spices.
- Cover and simmer on low until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
Click here for the full recipe.
How Food Connects Us During the Holidays
Holiday meals can be simple or elaborate. What matters is what they represent. A bowl of rice cooked with tomatoes may remind someone of home. A plate of potato latkes might bring back memories of cooking with grandparents. A slice of applesauce cake may feel like a moment of comfort during a difficult season.
For families facing food insecurity, maintaining these traditions can feel challenging. But with the right ingredients and support, holiday meals can still feel meaningful and full of love. Our work alongside partner agencies helps ensure families have access to staples that can be turned into cherished dishes, whether it’s for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other tradition.
How You Can Support Families This Season
Donate
Your donation helps provide pantry staples to families who want to create meaningful holiday meals. Click here to donate.
Volunteer
Volunteers make it possible to sort and distribute food and support families across our region. Click here to get involved.
Share the Message
The more people understand food insecurity, the more our community can come together to support one another! Don’t forget to follow us on our social media channels to stay connected and to stay up-to-date on the latest news from the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.
