Apulia at the Table: A Journey Through Christmas and New Year's Flavors

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The Christmas and New Year's typical dishes in Puglia are a true feast for the senses, a celebration of flavors and traditions. Tables are laden with the region's most characteristic dishes, each with its own story and significance.

What do people eat at Christmas and New Year's in Puglia?

Christmas Eve Dinner

Christmas Eve dinner is a time for sharing and togetherness. Tradition dictates that only fish is consumed, symbolizing the long wait for Jesus' birth. Common dishes include:

  • Appetizers: Raw seafood, seafood salad, fish meatballs, fried cod.
  • First courses: Orecchiette pasta with turnip greens, spaghetti with clams, seafood risotto.
  • Main courses: Vicenza-style cod, baked fish with potatoes.
  • Desserts: Cartellate, purceddhruzzi, dried fruit.

Christmas Day Lunch

On Christmas Day, the cuisine becomes richer and more substantial. Typical dishes include:

  • Appetizers: Mixed cold cuts, local cheeses, caponata.
  • First courses: Orecchiette with meat sauce, cavatelli with turnips, legume soups.
  • Main courses: Roasted pork, roasted lamb.
  • Side dishes: Battered vegetables, baked potatoes.
  • Desserts: Panettone, pandoro, nougat.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve in Puglia is a time for celebration and joy. Warm and comforting dishes are served to ward off the winter chill. Common dishes include:

  • Lentils: A symbol of luck and prosperity.
  • Cotechino with lentils: A timeless classic.
  • Soups: Minestrone, chickpea soup.
  • Desserts: Zeppole, frappe.

Christmas-themed Cooking Classes

During the holiday season, many masserie (traditional farmhouses) organize Christmas-themed cooking classes. You can learn to prepare traditional Puglian dishes like orecchiette, focaccia barese, cartellate, and purcidduzzi.

What will you learn in a Christmas-themed cooking class?

  • How to make fresh pasta.
  • How to make traditional Apulian desserts.
  • How to use seasonal herbs.
  • How to pair wines with dishes.

Why choose a cooking class in a masseria?

  • Authentic atmosphere: Masserie are steeped in history and charm, where you can breathe in the atmosphere of the Puglian countryside.
  • Local ingredients: You will use fresh and genuine products, grown directly in the masseria's garden.
  • Expert guidance: You will be guided by local expert chefs who will reveal all the secrets of Puglian cuisine.
  • An Unforgettable Experience: You will learn to cook delicious dishes and spend pleasant moments with other food enthusiasts.

In conclusion

Christmas and New Year's in Puglia are a unique opportunity to discover the region's authentic flavors and immerse yourself in its traditions.

Don't miss the chance to attend a cooking class in a masseria and take a piece of Puglia home with you. Book with us your cooking class in masseria per scoprire i segreti della tradizione culinaria pugliese. Scopri i nostri pacchetti di Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Apulia with experiences tailored for you. 

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