A Taste of Christmas: Italian Festive Traditions
A Gourmet Italian Christmas
Italy is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and Christmas is no exception. Italian Christmas food traditions include the perfect blend of regional specialties and family recipes, creating a festive feast that celebrates the holiday season.
We like to think 'it wouldn't be Christmas without Carluccio's'. Our award-winning panettone are fast becoming many family's dessert centrepieces at Christmas and since introducing them to the UK over 25 years ago, this new tradition here in Great Britain shows no sign of slowing.
But, an Italian Christmas is about more than just panettone and the Carluccio's shop offers many products that can help you recreate some of the festive traditions below and introduce your family... take a look at our guide to a traditional Italian festive celebration.
Traditional Italian Feasting
The Feast of the Seven Fishes
One of the most famous Italian Christmas traditions is the Feast of the Seven Fishes (La Vigilia di Natale). This seafood-centric meal is typically enjoyed on Christmas Eve, a day of fasting and reflection before the festive feast on Christmas Day.Additionally, in southern and central Italy, baked pastas with meat sauces are often enjoyed, be it lasagnes or any other pasta al forno.
Christmas Eve Dinner, Italian Style
In addition to the Feast of the Seven Fishes, Christmas Eve dinner might also include other dishes like:
- Pasta with Seafood Sauce: A rich and flavourful pasta dish with a variety of seafood. You could use our Sugo alle Vongole or Sugo Pomodoro e Basilico as the basis for a sauce like this.
- Lenticchie e Cotechino: Lentils and sausage, a traditional dish symbolising prosperity and good luck for the new year.
- Insalata di Rinforzo: A hearty winter salad with tuna, celery, olives, and mayonnaise.
- Lasagne or Pasta Al Forno: Baked pastas with rich, long and slow-cooked meat sauces
Christmas Day Feast
Christmas Day is a time for feasting and celebration. The main course is often a roasted meat, such as:
- Roast Pork: A succulent pork roast, often stuffed with herbs and spices.
- Agnello Arrostito: Roasted lamb, a popular choice in southern Italy.
- Capretto Arrostito: Roasted kid goat, another southern Italian favorite.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes, often flavored with rosemary and garlic.
- Broccoli Rabe: A bitter green vegetable, sautéed with garlic and olive oil.
Italian Christmas Desserts
No Italian Christmas feast would be complete without a selection of delicious desserts. We stock numerous sweet Italian festive treats for you to enjoy with your family and loved ones:- Panettone: A sweet bread loaf filled with candied fruit and raisins (Or chocolate, limoncello or something special and one-off!).
- Pandoro: A star-shaped cake, often dusted with powdered sugar.
- Torrone: A nougat candy, made with honey, nuts, and sugar.
Sharing the Feast
Italian Christmas food traditions are all about family, friends, and sharing delicious food. Whether you're celebrating with a large family gathering or a small group of friends, these festive dishes are sure to bring joy and warmth to your holiday season.
Why not let Carluccio's help you along the way to creating the perfect Italian-inspired feasts this Christmas? Visit our shop today!
