POSTED DEC 12, 2018

Pranzo di Natale

One of the most celebrated holidays in Italy is Christmas or Natale. Children open presents from Babbo Natale, “Father Christmas”, and houses are filled with the holiday spirit. However, the main event begins around noon when the Christmas lunch begins.

The Starters

Before feasting on the main courses, most Italian families begin the meal with a large antipasto spread. This spread usually includes Italian cheeses, cured meats, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes and other Italian delicacies. While everyone is enjoying the delicious appetizers, the main courses are prepared.

Our Antipasto Recipes

The First Course: Pasta

Across different regions of Italy, the first course of this Christmas lunch is a pasta dish. In Northern Italy, the pasta is cooked in a broth, or pasta in brodo. In places like Bologna, they begin their feast with a meat filled tortellini in eel broth. Raviolis are also known as a pasta course dish for the Christmas feast and some regions of Italy may serve a baked pasta instead.

Simple Pasta Dishes for Starters

The First Course: Pasta

Simple Pasta Dishes for Starters

The Main Course: Meat

Next comes the main course, the meat. Depending on the region of Italy, much like the pasta course, the types of meat dishes may vary. The most common dish is a pasta served with meat, such as a Bolognese or sausage, combined with vegetables. Other dishes include roasted veal, baked chicken, or braised beef.

Timeless Authentic Italian Meat Dishes

The Desserts

Italians don’t hold back when it comes to desserts on Christmas Day. The most popular and well-known Christmas dessert is a sweet bread called panettone. Panettone is a rich and flavorful bread that includes dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries and is the perfect after dinner treat. You may also find desserts like cavallucci (cookies with images of horses on them), pizzelle, panforte, torrone, cannoli and so much more.

The Christmas celebrations in Italy come to a close with the feast of the Epiphany. Every year, all of these cherished holiday celebrations are passed down through the generations, allowing for the traditions to live on for years to come. From our family to yours, Buon Natale.