It's no secret that Italian food is delicious. From pasta to pizza, many of its popular dishes have become staples in the culinary world. But have you tasted Italian Christmas food? Dishes like the classic lasagna and braised beef in wine sauce? Or desserts like panettone or torrone? If you're celebrating Christmas in Italy this year, these are the food you have to include in your holiday menu. Not only are they part of the country's traditional Christmas cuisine, but they're perfect to share with loved ones. More than just filling up your stomach, these dishes and desserts will also fill you with the holiday spirit!
Seafood
More often than not, Italian Christmas food rarely includes meat. There are many Italians who still eat meat on the holidays though, but for the most part, the country indulged in some seasonal seafood instead. Think juicy prawns, scrumptious lobster, sumptuous scallops, and of course, fresh fish. '
Baccalà,' which is salted cod, is also a holiday dinner staple in Italy. From
different kinds of pasta to even pizza, you'll find many dishes including baccalà in various parts of the country. In the US, Italian-American families would refer to it as the '
Feast of the Seven Fishes.' But here in Italy, it's simply the seafood-dominated menu that they serve year after year.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lasagne Bolognese
Although seafood is extremely popular during the holiday season, this isn't to say that there's no meaty Italian Christmas food to look forward to. On the contrary, there's one famous meat dish that's also popular during this time of year: Lasagna Bolognese. With the beef (sometimes pork or veal) sautéed in Bolognese sauce and paired with melted Parmesan cheese, it's a hearty and delectable dish that's perfect for sharing with your loved ones. Even kids will like it too. Though the flavor is rich, it's also savory enough that young palettes will find it irresistible.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Roasted Lamb
As a delicacy in Sardinia, lamb has also become a favorite among Italian families during Christmas. After all, the meat of Agnello di Sardegna is succulent yet tender, not to mention emitting quite the delectable aroma. Just cooking it alone will draw in your loved ones and likely even more guests to your dinner table on the holidays. And if you want the little ones to enjoy this meat dish too, you'd do well to roast it. When seasoned just right and paired with the perfect sauces, roasted lamb can be the perfect main course for your Christmas dinner this year!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Braised Beef in Barolo Wine Sauce
Now, if you really want a rich Italian Christmas feast, then serve up some braised beef in Barolo wine sauce. Barolo wine comes from the Piedmont, which borders both France and Switzerland. It's situated near the Swiss and
French Alps, making it a cold part of the country. Nevertheless, the wine they make here is exquisite. They're great for drinking and, as this dish proves, for enhancing the flavor of the meat as well. Compared to the other dishes on this list, this is more for adults only. Leave the pasta and pizza to the little ones.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Panettone
Finally, let's get to the desserts. First up is Panettone, the quintessential
Italian Christmas cake. You can't celebrate the holiday in Italy or have an Italian-style Christmas wherever you are without Panettone! Though originally from
Milan, it has become the staple sweet in all of Italy for this time of year. There's just something about this crumbly yet fluffy dessert that both young and old adore. Especially when it's made with dried fruits inside. Serve it up topped with gelato and it can easily overshadow the most delicious of main courses. That's how good it is!
Source: Flickr.com/ N i c o l a
Torrone
Up for some Italian Christmas candy? Then you'll probably love torrone! It's Italy's version of nougat candy. Just like those in other countries, the torrone is a chewy and sticky confection enthused with nuts. Many Italians give them out as presents to loved ones. Parents and grandparents also stuff their kids' stockings with torrone on Christmas Eve. And by the following morning, the little ones can't get enough of the stuff! It's simply a favorite treat among many in Italy, even though its origins vastly pre-dated the Roman Empire. Greek Islands
Corfu and
Hydra are known to have originated the nougat candy.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Italian Christmas food is a great idea for your holiday dinner. Not only will they fill up your tummies and tantalize your taste buds, but they're perfect for sharing with your loved ones during this special holiday.
