Three Perfect Italian Christmas Menu
If you are looking for Italian Christmas dinner ideas, look no further! I have put together my three different Christmas menus that offer a variety of age-old traditions, as well as innovation!
What do Italians eat for Christmas?
The list of traditional dishes is huge because the regional diversity enhances Italian gastronomy richness. For this reason, there’s no dish in particular that can be found on every single Italian Christmas table. Each region has its own traditional dish and the cuisine reflects the characteristics and flavours of the local environment. The only thing that Italians everywhere have in common is that festivity itself always brings Italian families together to feast around a well-laden table. However, there are few similarities throughout the whole Italy. For example, the first course of broth with “tortellini”, pasta or lasagne followed by a main dish of meat or fish followed by desserts.
Here are some ideas to make three Christmas Menus using some of my favourite festive recipes:
- Traditional Christmas Menu, based on meat,
- Christmas menu based on fish.
- Vegetarian Christmas Menu.
1) Traditional Christmas Menu
APPETIZER: Savoury Mini-Cheesecakes with Olives
You can start with these delicious and fresh savoury mini-cheesecakes. Perfect for a brunch, appetizer or a side dish for salad or soup.
I added ham and Pitted Rosate Olives, to obtain a unique flavour! If you are on a gluten-free diet you can replace the base of Tarallini for Gluten-Free Cracker.
STARTER/PASTA DISH: Traditional Bolognese Lasagne
Bolognese Lasagne is a worldwide renown Italian dish from the northern region of Emilia Romagna. It is a symbol of the Italian culture. For many families all over Italy, it is a must-have dish for special celebrations and a Christmas day tradition!
MAIN DISH:Artichokes Pork Loin Roulades with Balsamic Vinegar
This is one of my go-to recipes at this time of the year. You’ll love the rich flavour and firm texture of Pork Loin Roulades with artichokes! For this recipe, I used our Grandmother’s Recipe artichokes that are flavorful and tender. If you are looking for a true taste of perfection add some authentic Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.
SIDE DISH: Crunchy Roasted Vegetables with Garlic and Paprika
The genius of this recipe is in its simplicity! It is one of my favourite ones because it is delicious, healthy and it represents the perfect side dish for almost any plate!
There are 3 ingredients that you cannot forget to make it super tasty: bread crumbs, Garlic Patè and paprika!
2) Fish Christmas Menu
APPETIZER: “Polentine” snacks with Seafood Salad
This is a very special and traditional Italian recipe: “Polentine”! I made mine with different flavours including a jar of Seafood Salad, Artichoke Patè and Asparagus Patè for a smooth and creamy texture.
They do not contain gluten or dairy products and you can add any of your favourite ingredients on top.
STARTER/PASTA DISH: Orecchiette with Artichokes Patè and Shrimps
Here’s a delicious pasta recipe made with orecchiette. For the sauce, we are going to match the intense taste of our artichokes paté with the salty flavour of shrimps. This dish is delicious either warm or as a cold pasta salad.
MAIN DISH: Cod crusted in Aubergines, with Sweet Pepper Sauce and Balsamic “Prelibato”
A delicious cod recipe with aubergines, a vegetable that matches perfectly with the delicate taste of cod. You can try this recipe with a sauce of sweet peppers, made with a jar of Peppers Strips.
The delicate aroma of this recipe is achieved by adding few drops of White Balsamic Vinegar “Prelibato”, a wonderful condiment for fish.
SIDE DISH: Stuffed Courgette Flowers with Balsamic Vinegar “Saporoso”
Everyone loves courgette flowers! They are nice and delicate.. Have you ever tried them stuffed??
If you want to enhance the flavour even more, just add few drops of Balsamic Vinegar “Saporoso”!
3) Vegetarian Christmas Menu
APPETIZER: Courgette Parmigiana Flower Mini Rolls
A healthy and light recipe, which is at the same time delicious and tasteful, mostly if eaten warm! With a spicy touch thanks to our Sundried Tomatoes Patè.
STARTER/PASTA DISH: Ricotta Cheese and Spinach “Lumaconi”
This “Lumaconi” pasta dish is a traditional dish in Italy, with a yummy cheese and vegetable filling! These ingredients combined together in a vibrant chorus to please even the most finicky gourmand. Delicious both warm and cold. 🙂
MAIN DISH: Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Mozzarella
A wonderful traditional recipe from the South of Italy… amazing sweet peppers filled with rice, Sundried Tomatoes, Pitted Green, Rosate or Black Olives! When I made the original recipe, I added a few cubes of ham but you can just remove this ingredient to make a wonderful vegetarian dish!!
SIDE DISH: White “Aubergine Parmigiana”
A lighter version of the “Traditional Aubergine Parmigiana” which is probably one of the most popular Italian recipes in the world. The traditional version is original from Southern Italy and It’s a classic for any occasion, either summer or Christmas (follow the link Traditional Parmigiana di Melanzane on our blog). For my recipe, we are going to bake the aubergines instead of frying it. I will also add the authentic Basil Pesto to make my white sauce instead of tomato sauce.
DESSERTS
Tiramisu
A popular coffee-flavoured Italian dessert. It is made of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of eggs, sugar and mascarpone cheese.
Crostata
One of the most versatile desserts in Italy is the crostata. It’s an open version of a pie, but crunchier and tastier. The crostata doesn’t need expensive ingredients, just the usual ingredients for making pies or tarts. It looks good, smells good and tastes good. Try it!