The traditional Neapolitan Christmas lunch is a time for families to gather around the table and share an abundant, multi-course meal. The meal typically begins with antipasti, a selection of appetizers that may include cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and seafood. Fried seafood, in particular, is a popular choice, with dishes such as calamari and shrimp being served alongside other fried delicacies like arancini (rice balls) and croquettes.
Following the antipasti, the main course is served. In Naples, one of the most common dishes for a Christmas lunch is a baked pasta dish called “pasta al forno”. This hearty dish typically consists of ziti (a type of elongated pasta) baked in a rich tomato sauce with ground beef, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Another popular dish is “lasagna di Carnevale”, a layered pasta dish with meat, cheese, and tomato sauce.
Meat is also a common component of a Neapolitan Christmas lunch. Roast beef or pork is often served as the main course, accompanied by a variety of side dishes such as roasted potatoes, sautéed greens, and a selection of sauces and condiments. In some families, fish is served as the main course, often prepared in a variety of ways such as grilled, baked, or fried.
After the main course, a selection of desserts is served. In Naples, Christmas sweets are highly anticipated and are an essential part of the festive season. Some of the most popular Christmas desserts in Naples include struffoli, small balls of fried dough coated in honey and sprinkles, and pastiera napoletana, a ricotta and wheat pie scented with orange blossom water and flavored with candied fruit.
Another traditional Neapolitan Christmas sweet is the famous “cuoppo di Natale”, which is essentially a cone-shaped paper bag filled with fried sweets and goodies. This festive street food is sold by street vendors all over Naples during the Christmas season and is a popular treat for both locals and tourists alike.
Finally, the meal is typically finished off with a selection of liqueurs and coffee. In Naples, a traditional Christmas liqueur is “rosolio”, a sweet liqueur made from rose petals and used as a digestive after a meal.
In conclusion, a typical Neapolitan Christmas lunch is a feast for the senses, bringing together the best of local traditions and culinary expertise. From the antipasti to the desserts and liqueurs, the meal is a celebration of family, friends, and, of course, good food. It is no wonder that the Neapolitan Christmas lunch is considered one of the most important meals of the year, a true expression of the city’s rich cultural heritage and hospitality.