Christmas in Italy is a time of celebration, and one of the most important elements of Christmas traditions in Italy It's the gastronomy.
The festive season is highly anticipated by Italians, as the Christmas is the perfect occasion to prepare typical family recipes, wine and dine with friends and family.
Abundance is key when it comes to traditional italian food at christmas, and like many other countries, dinners and Italian Christmas desserts They vary from region to region, and from one house to another.
It's time to meet these traditional Italian dishes that are common at Christmas dinners and lunches.
Christmas Eve: Christmas dinner
Italy is traditionally a Catholic country, and for this reason, it is common not to eat meat in Christmas Eve.
Catholic tradition prohibits the consumption of meat the night before a religious holiday, and in this case fish is the star of traditional Italian dinners in Italy. Christmas Eve.
Italians don't just enjoy one specific fish dish and meals include everything from seafood to cod and eel.
These Italian fish dishes they are prepared with only the freshest ingredients and will be served in a variety of ways; fried, with dough or potatoes, or with sauce, depending on the region and family recipe.
Christmas: lunch on Christmas Day
O Christmas lunch in Italy is another family-oriented meal, and even today, some modern families enjoy a brunch Italian Christmas celebration along with sharing dishes and drinks.
The most traditional option is still a Christmas banquet at lunchtime, which is known to last for hours and can have more than a dozen dishes.
O Christmas day in Italy It is an occasion to enjoy a large amount of meat, prepared in different recipes.
The lunch of Christmas often starts with a antipasti traditional Italian cuisine, including cured meats such as salami and Ham, olives, roasted peppers, artichokes, local Italian cheese and more.
In true Italian style, the following dishes will include pasta, and lasagna Bolognese, the ravioli or baked pasta are some of the most famous dishes.
Next comes the main ingredient, meat, also appreciated in various dishes. Some families prepare the meat in broth or stew, and it is mandatory to have a roast of some kind.
The most common options include lamb, roast veal or even stuffed chicken. But don't stop there! Some families with voracious appetites also serve sausages (wurstel) or pork ribs before dessert.
Il Giorno de Santo Stefano: Lunch on December 26th
December 26th is another excuse to eat and get on with things.these are Christmas, continuing with what is known in Italy as Il Giorno de Santo Stefano (St. Stephen's Day).
Although this day in Italy does not involve a menu as elaborate as previous days, it is mandatory to enjoy leftovers from the Christmas dinner and lunch.
Make no mistake, though: It's not just about heating up some leftovers in the microwave.
Italians make leftovers with style, adding new ingredients, improving dishes – with eggs to make a omelette, or adding leftover meat to appetizing stews.
While Il Giorno de Santo Stefano Although there is no particular gastronomic tradition in Italy, this lunch tends to be creative and is the perfect time for families to try some unusual dishes or exotic soups and stews, traditional Italian Christmas dishes.
See also: 25 typical Christmas desserts in Italy
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