Christmas Eve Dinner Recipe: Italian-Style Feast

Experience a delightful twist on holiday traditions with this Italian-style Christmas Eve dinner recipe. Celebrated as “La Vigilia” in Italy, this feast beautifully showcases the rich flavors and fresh ingredients that Italian cuisine is renowned for. The menu typically features a variety of seafood dishes, such as succulent baked cod or shrimp scampi, alongside a vibrant pasta dish, like spaghetti aglio e olio or festive ravioli filled with seasonal ingredients. Accompanying these main dishes are seasonal vegetables, a refreshing salad, and an array of rustic bread. Finish your culinary journey with a traditional dessert, such as panettone or tiramisu, to complete this elegant dining experience. This Italian-style feast not only nourishes the body but also warms the heart, creating cherished memories for everyone gathered around the table.

Menu

1. Antipasto: Bruschetta with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil
2. Primo: Lasagna Bolognese
3. Secondo: Garlic and Herb Crusted Prime Rib
4. Contorno: Roasted Vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes)

5. Dolce: Tiramisù

Antipasto: Bruschetta

Ingredients:

1. 4-6 baguette slices
2. 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
3. 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1/4 cup olive oil
6. Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toast baguette slices.
3. Top with cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic and olive oil.

Primo: Lasagna Bolognese

Ingredients:

1. 8 lasagna noodles
2. 1 pound ground beef
3. 1 onion, chopped
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1 cup tomato sauce
6. 1 cup bechamel sauce
7. 1 cup grated Parmesan
8. 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles.
3. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic.
4. Layer lasagna noodles, meat sauce, bechamel sauce and cheese.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes.

Secondo: Garlic and Herb Crusted Prime Rib

Ingredients:

1. 1 (6-8 pound) prime rib
2. 2 cloves garlic, minced
3. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
4. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
5. 1 tablespoon olive oil
6. Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix garlic, rosemary, thyme and olive oil.
3. Rub mixture onto prime rib.
4. Roast for 15-20 minutes per pound.

Contorno: Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

1. 1 zucchini, sliced
2. 1 bell pepper, sliced
3. 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. 2 tablespoons olive oil
6. Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss vegetables with garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes.

Dolce: Tiramisù

Ingredients:

1. 12-16 ladyfingers
2. 1 cup mascarpone cheese
3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
4. 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
5. 2 cups brewed coffee

Instructions:

1. Dip ladyfingers in coffee.
2. Layer ladyfingers, mascarpone mixture and cocoa powder.
3. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours.

Variations

1. Seafood Option: Replace prime rib with grilled salmon or shrimp.
2. Vegetarian Option: Replace prime rib with eggplant parmesan.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.

Tips

1. Plan ahead and prep ingredients.
2. Use high-quality ingredients.
3. Customize menu to suit your family’s tastes.

Conclusion

This Italian-Style Christmas Eve dinner is a traditional and delicious way to celebrate the holiday. Buon Natale!