Christmas holds an important place in the hearts of Italian families, as a time of unparalleled connection and sharing. It is the time when families come together, creating indelible memories and strengthening emotional bonds. 

106 euros per family for Christmas dinner

Unlike past years, Covid-related fears appear to be less stringent, so a consumption recovery is on the horizon. According to a Coldiretti/Ixè survey, last year Italians spent an average of 106€ per family on Christmas dinner, which underscores how, despite economic variables, it represents a time when people are willing to invest to make the holiday even more special. Moreover, in Italy, 91% of people (in other words, 9 out of 10) spend Christmas at home, in the company of relatives or friends. 

Christmas is traditionally celebrated through two culinary moments: Christmas Eve dinner (or Christmas dinner) and Christmas lunch. In particular, the Christmas Eve dinner is still affected by a precept of the Catholic religion – later modified – that required not to eat meat the night before the feast day. The Christmas Eve table was thus enriched with fish dishes, such as seafood appetizers, soups, and shellfish. Christmas lunch, on the other hand, is a convivial time, with more substantial courses that often include meat accompanied by hearty side dishes and typical desserts. It is really impossible to generalize: every region, every city has its own tradition and Christmas dishes. 

Christmas dinner: the doubts of those who have to prepare it

Christmas dinner is a time of serenity and gathering, but there is no doubt that preparing it is difficult. Those who enjoy the festivities the least are those who cook, hoping that this task is at least shared among several people. 

The fact remains that those at the helm of the kitchen are confronted with a number of doubts starting with the choice of the menu, given the difficulty of satisfying all the diners, each with their own tastes, preferences, and sometimes some intolerances. The doubts concern the dishes themselves, but also the logistics of cooking and the right balance between traditional dishes and a few innovative touches, which stimulate creativity but also add a challenge. Preparing something new is a risk, especially in the face of long preparations and high costs. That’s why we think that pinsa not only belongs, but is a very interesting solution for the entire holiday season, including Christmas dinner and lunch. Pinsa for Christmas dinner, have you ever thought about it?

We do not presume to propose our pinsa as a traditional Christmas dish, nor as the absolute star of the celebrations. Not even pizza, with its age-old tradition, can aspire to this role. However, when we consider the doubts that arise while preparing Christmas dinner, it is clear that pinsa has all the qualities of a winning solution. Pinsa is the famous innovative touch that is missing from many Christmas dinners (or lunches), but it is also very quick to prepare and has a low cost that entices people to try something different. 

From appetizer to dessert: how to incorporate pinsa into the Christmas menu?

As mentioned, pinsa is extremely versatile and stands out for its quick preparation. Because of this, it can take on different guises over the course of a Christmas dinner: from a refined appetizer to a starter, from a light accompaniment to other dishes to an exquisite dessert. Although it can also be a main course, this positioning might steal the show from traditional dishes and recipes; however, if you decide to give it the starring role, pinsa is and will be up for it. 

Here are a few scenarios to ponder, all quick and tasty: 

Appetizer or starter

Cut into little squares like for an aperitivo, pinsa can be presented in several versions. From classic combinations of cheese and vegetables to bolder offerings such as walnut cream and gorgonzola blue cheese, the options are many and suited to satisfy a wide range of palates. 

White pinsa

An innovative way to incorporate pinsa into the Christmas menu is to present it with a light filling, turning it into a sort of Christmas focaccia, accompanied by a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and aromatics such as rosemary. In this way, people won’t miss the bread. 

Sweet pinsa

To end the meal on a sweet note, pinsa can be filled with hazelnut cream, accompanied by fresh fruit or served with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. Again, it certainly cannot hold a candle to panettone, but it is still a pleasant and tasty way to end the meal. 

Not just innovation, but also taste and lightness

In this article, we have proposed pinsa as an innovative option for Christmas dinner, focusing on aspects such as its versatility and quick preparation. However, other elements that should stand out are its deliciousness and digestibility. 

In the period of « food excesses » par excellence, pinsa emerges as not only an original but also a balanced alternative. So, in the next Christmas dinner, give it a chance: you will not regret it.