2 weeks Ago By Francesco Paladini
Winter has officially arrived, and as tradition dictates, with December 8th – the Feast of the Immaculate Conception – homes are transformed into enchanting little worlds adorned with festive decorations. In this magical pre-Christmas atmosphere, which warms hearts and brings families closer to the most anticipated time of the year, the kitchen takes center stage. Here’s an example of an Italian December menu, not specifically for Christmas, featuring seasonal products from our local traditions .
Enjoy your meal! Risotto with Red Radicchio from Treviso The first course of this menu comes directly from the culinary mastery of Northern Italy. Risotto with red radicchio is one of the most beloved dishes of the Venetian autumn and winter seasons . The star of the dish is the red radicchio from Treviso , thinly sliced and paired with a flavorful cheese like Taleggio or Gorgonzola .
Recipe for 4 people Ingredients Preparation Begin by heating the vegetable broth (1.5 L) and, in the meantime, carefully wash the radicchio and cut it into thin strips. Chop the onion into small cubes and sauté it in a pan over low heat.
Once the onion becomes golden and crispy, add the rice to the same pan and toast it gently. Next, deglaze with the white wine, add the radicchio, and cook over high heat for a couple of minutes. Gradually add the vegetable broth and let it simmer over low heat.
At the end of cooking, stir in the butter and grated cheese to create a creamy texture. Drunken octopus From Veneto, we move to Tuscany . Octopus cooked with red wine is a specialty of Livorno , a longstanding highlight of Italian cuisine.
Despite its humble origins, this is a highly flavorful recipe . In the past, it was a popular choice among fishermen, who could make a hearty meal even with a modest catch, using ingredients that capture the essence of our land. A key element is the choice of wine and seafood.
Always opt for fresh octopus , not frozen, to fully appreciate the flavors of its juices. Similarly, avoid a wine that’s too strong , as it might overpower the delicate taste of the seafood. Recipe for 4 people Ingredients Preparation Start by sautéing garlic, onion, and bay leaves in a pot over low heat.
Make sure to clean the octopus thoroughly, removing the eyes and innards, or have it cleaned by your fishmonger! Once the sauté is ready, add the octopus, cut into approximately 3 cm pieces. Deglaze with red wine and let it cook, adding parsley for flavor. Simmer for about 40 minutes until the octopus is tender and juicy.
Serve with toasted bread to soak up the delicious sauce – as tradition demands! Pears with chocolate Fruit and chocolate are always a winning combination, perfect for ending a rich and flavorful meal like this one. Recipe for 4 people Ingredients Preparation This winter dessert is ready in no time. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cinnamon to make a syrup.
Once everything has dissolved, add the peeled pears and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the dark chocolate with milk in a double boiler. When the pears are ready, drizzle them with the melted chocolate.
For an extra touch, decorate with candied orange zest before serving. Don’t miss out on our other related articles! Related Posts:.
