Pasqua con chi vuoi…

By: Effetto Italy  On: April 3, 2018  In: Italian Culture 

As the Italian saying goes: “Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi” or “Christmas with family but Easter with whomever you like!”. While Easter is one of the most important religious holidays in Italy, it is also the time to go out and joyfully celebrate the unofficial start of spring with friends, family, or anyone wants to join your party. But even better, Pasqua (Italian for Easter) brings with it a spread of delicious traditional plates. Many of these dishes revolve around the idea of the “rebirth” of nature… think yummy fresh veggies, eggs, etc. Here are some of my Easter “musts” if you are lucky enough to be in Italy during this busy weekend:

• Chocolate eggs (aka. my daughter’s fav) – They are beautifully wrapped, deliciously made, and contain a prize inside. Easter morning is all about cracking these babies open and then munching on the chocolate shell.
• Colomba Pasquale (Easter dove) – This delightful cake seems like the offspring of the Christmas panettone and pandoro and is coated in almonds and sugar. I highly recommend it with your morning cappuccino.
• Agnello (lamb) – A definite for the traditional Easter lunch, the lamb is prepared differently depending upon the region. Around Rome, it is often roasted with rosemary, garlic and white wine. In Abruzzo, the lamb is coated with cheese and eggs. While in Puglia, you may find a lamb stew with fresh peas or asparagus. All different and all delicious.
• Minestra di Pasqua – A popular Naples soup, made with beef, veal, pork, kale and herbs.
• Torta Pasqualina – A savory Easter pie and so very good. It’s found in Liguria and is filled with ricotta and spinach.
• Anything with fresh asparagus, artichokes and peas – pasta, soups, sauces, sides – there’s nothing better!

And in true Italian-style, the festivities extend beyond the weekend. La Pasquetta (Little Easter) is celebrated on Easter Monday and is known as a day that is spent on with family and friends outdoors or on adventures. Eating is customarily done al fresco, and activities are surrounded by nature. Many regions have their own traditions… you can’t beat Cheese Wheel Rolling in Umbria! This year, my extended family and I hopped on bikes on the Appia Antica and then enjoyed a BBQ lamb lunch at a local Roman trattoria. A fabulous way to end the long weekend and to welcome Spring.

Buona Pasqua!

A presto,
Jessica