Let's imagine we are gods painters, we need to paint and cheer up this whole atmosphere. However, a color must not be missing in our palette. The Red. Yes, because it is a touch of red that can make everything more magical, more alive, like the Christmas. And it is precisely on the occasion of this one traditional is housewife anniversary that the color of passion comes to warm all souls, as well as our tables. So let's choose red fruits and vegetables like ours lucky charm, real ones arcane symbolisms that color and render good wishes the dishes of the beginning of the year. We have to give up a few covers at the table this year, but nothing prevents us from filling it with our delicious dishes, they will console and pamper us.
Pomegranate, red onion, radicchio, red cabbage and beetroot. A winning team
So if I say red fruit and second course, what combination do you think? There pomegranate have you ever considered it during the holidays? It is said to be the perfect fruit, a divine symbol of love and abundance. And here is that if we want to fill our bellies abundantly during Christmas lunch, a delicious one roast rack of veal with pomegranate it can be the perfect idea. Preparation is simple and that aromatic smell in your kitchen is guaranteed. Nourishing and leathery, the red cabbage it is instead the symbol of life that never gives in to the cold of winter, as well as being the ideal companion for fresh homemade pasta. And here is that i ravioli with red cabbage they fall perfectly for those who want to put "their hands in the dough" on holidays.
We must not opt for light dishes, we deserve these sgarri all, so let's not back down in proposing one strudel with red onions and Prague ham as starter, it would just make all family members a great pleasure. We already feel that crunchy pastry under our teeth and that scent that comes out of the ovens. And then there onion, especially that red, we know it makes you shed a lot of tears, but listen here. A really interesting story. It was once used as defense from evil as well as having great ones antiseptic and antioxidant virtues. In short, a real panacea since medieval times, where it was used to treat headaches and even snake bites.
But don't we want to prepare a pie instead? In half an hour, everything can be done … like the radicchio pie with taleggio fondue. You are imagining that melted cheese that wraps your plate? How hungry. With the Red radish, the vegetable of good wishes for the Venetian countryside, this recipe is flawless to finish your courses. But let's not forget the dessert, at Christmas it is very important. Instead of the classic pandoro and panettone why don't we opt for something more imaginative? A beetroot red chocolate cheesecake for example. Tastes that match and tickle the palate.
Let's note it: the red-dyed brush must always be kept in your hand. Let's keep experimenting by playing with this color. The Christmas, as the kitchen it is a warm feeling, it must convey to us serenity, good humor and all this must start from our homes, the red table of love.
If you want to try your hand at these delicious recipes, find out more with Sale & Pepe in January 2021 (on newsstands from 22 December).
Elena Strappa
photos by Laura Spinelli and recipes by Claudia Compagni