Holiday traditions are a family staple regardless of what country you’re from! One of the most noteworthy traditions that spans across multiple holidays throughout the year is a nice holiday dinner. Typically, these dinners involve making a dish that closely aligns with the holiday in question. Italian cooking is no stranger to this practice, and there are many different dishes that can be prepared this upcoming holiday season. But what are the most noteworthy Italian cuisines to serve around the holidays? We’ll give you a guide to some of our favorites below!
Lobster Fra Diavolo
If you’re looking for a popular Italian meal to serve at Christmastime, look no further than lobster fra diavolo! It was invented by Italian immigrants to the United States with far greater access to lobster than they would have in Europe. Fra Diavolo is what makes this dish unique from other shellfish, as it’s designed to be rather spicy! Using that and combining it with red pepper leaves you with a dish that’s guaranteed to warm you up on a chilly winter day. In the Northeast, who doesn’t love a good lobster?
Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli
Sometimes, it’s best to stick with the classics around the holiday season. Ravioli is already an immensely popular type of pasta, so why not use the opportunity to make your own for the holidays? The most typical fillings for this dish are ricotta cheese and spinach mixed together, creating a delicious and timeless meal that works great all year long. Especially with so many other things to prepare for during the holiday season, sometimes it’s best to keep it simple with your main course. With this ravioli recipe, you’ll certainly achieve that!
Feast of the Seven Fishes
Perhaps the most extravagant way that Italians spend their Christmas Eve is with a traditional meal with origins in southern Italy: the feast of the seven fishes! As you may have guessed, this meal consists of seven unique and Italian seafood dishes that leave you with amazing flavors and a full stomach. There isn’t a specific format that you need to adhere to for this feast, but here are some popular recommendations for it:
- Linguine with shellfish (lobster, crab, shrimp, etc.)
- Deep fried calamari
- Octopus
- Shrimp cocktail
- Baked cod
Delicious Italian Meals at Trattoria Il Panino
If you’re looking for a delicious and authentic Italian meal this holiday season, Trattoria Il Panino has you covered! We have some of the most famous and great-tasting Italian cuisine that Boston’s North End has to offer. With an ambiance rivaling that of Italian restaurants overseas, we’ll bring the experience of dining there right to your East Coast table! Make a reservation today to experience our wonderful Italian flavors for yourself!