Italy is renowned for its authentic cuisine and high-quality artisanal products. Whether it's for Christmas, New Year's, or any other festive occasion, an Italian menu is always a safe bet. In this article, we'll explain how to create an authentic holiday menu using artisanal Italian products from Lucangeli.
The essentials of an Italian holiday menu
Before embarking on menu planning, it's important to understand the basics of Italian cuisine. Antipasti, or appetizers, are an essential part of an Italian meal. They allow you to start the meal gently and stimulate your appetite. Main courses, on the other hand, generally consist of pasta, meat or fish, accompanied by vegetables and sauce.
The importance of antipasti
Antipasti typically consist of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables. They are ideal for whetting the appetite and allowing guests to nibble while waiting for the main course. For an authentic festive menu, opt for artisanal antipasti such as Lucangeli's black olive tapenade . It is made with black olives and extra virgin olive oil, all sourced directly from Italy.
Traditional main dishes
For main courses, you can opt for traditional Italian recipes such as lasagna, ravioli, or risotto. Use high-quality, artisanal products to give your dishes an authentic touch. For example, for a creamy risotto, use Lucangeli's organic, fruity green olive oil . This oil is produced from hand-picked organic olives in Italy, giving it a unique and delicious flavor.
Choosing your Italian artisanal products
For an authentic holiday menu, it's essential to choose high-quality, artisanal Italian products. Here are two must-haves to include in your menu:
Olive oil, the liquid gold of the holidays
Olive oil is an essential ingredient in Italian cuisine. It's used for cooking, seasoning, and even as an accompaniment to certain dishes. For a festive menu, opt for a premium olive oil, such as Lucangeli's organic green fruity olive oil . This oil is handcrafted and boasts delicate, fruity aromas, perfect for enhancing your dishes.
Balsamic vinegar, elegance in a bottle
Balsamic vinegar is a typical condiment in Italian cuisine. It is produced from cooked grape must and aged in wooden barrels to develop its aromas. For a festive menu, use a high-quality balsamic vinegar such as Lucangeli's Gold IGP Balsamic Vinegar of Modena . This vinegar is aged for eight years in wooden barrels, giving it a smooth and complex flavor that will add a touch of elegance to your dishes.
Create your menu step by step
Now that you have chosen your Italian artisanal products, it's time to create your menu by following these steps:
Starters that awaken the senses
For your starters, opt for a variety of colorful antipasti. Choose marinated vegetables, quality cured meats, and Italian cheeses. Serve them with fresh bread and olive oil.
The art of Italian seasoning
Seasoning is a key element of Italian cuisine. For your main dishes, use herbs and spices to enhance the flavors. The secret to Italian cooking lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. So, use artisanal products such as olive oil and balsamic vinegar to bring a touch of authenticity to your dishes.
In short, to create an authentic holiday menu with artisanal Italian products, it's important to choose quality ingredients and follow the fundamentals of Italian cuisine. With Lucangeli products, you can create an unforgettable holiday menu for your guests. Consider giving a gift set of these products to your loved ones to introduce them to true Italian cuisine. Buon appetito!
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