Want to add a taste of Italy to your Christmas lunch? Read on for more inspiration!

If you’re after a home cooked Italian feast this Christmas, look no further. Italy is famous for its mouth-watering starters, jaw-dropping desserts and simple yet elegant approach to everything in between. But what do people…

 

If you’re after a home cooked Italian feast this Christmas, look no further.

Italy is famous for its mouth-watering starters, jaw-dropping desserts and simple yet elegant approach to everything in between. But what do people who like to eat well and eat often dine on during Christmas?

Expert tip! Italian dishes get their flavour from bringing out the natural flavours in a few simple ingredients.

Starters

A plate of pasta to kick-start your appetite is a must in any and every Italian household. But don’t forget about the simple (but easy) things you can whip up in a hurry. Whether bought or homemade, chicken liver pate (“Crostini toscani con fegatini”) always tastes great on slices of warm crusty bread and when you use the right seasoning meatballs are always a favourite, and for vegetarians a asparagus frittata will hit all the right buttons. (You should also be opening your first bottle of wine now!)

Main

If you want to eat like a real Italian, you will need to tuck into a plate of Tortellini in Brodo, but a creamy lasagne or citrus-marinated pork rib roast are also hard to go past on a cold winter’s day. Which probably explains their enduring popularity in Italy. If you want to try the roast, you will need two 5-bone pork rib roasts, garlic, cloves, orange and lemon juice, bay leaves, rosemary sprigs, fennel seeds, salt and pepper to season and extra-virgin olive oil. Small roasted apples and pears also make a great garnish if you decided on cooking pork.

Dessert

Each region in Italy has its trademark dishes and dessert is no different. If you want something simple, you can easily buy handmade sweet breads like Panettone or Pandoro that are truly delicious. (However those in a hurry might opt for a similar version from their local supermarket.) Dress it up with icing sugar for a truly delicious dessert that isn’t too heavy. This is also the time to start thinking about opening a bottle of champagne.

Digestives + liqueurs

Grappa, otherwise known as a digestive, not only tastes good but it will also help you wash down the generous helpings of food you just ate. And while there are many different varieties to choose from, it is hard to go past the traditional limoncello followed by a steaming espresso.

Find out how to learn to cook Italian dishes with a “Cooking class“!