Christmas food

Christmas lunch is an important part of the Christmas celebration, where family and friends gather around a richly laid table.

Dishes vary according to local customs, but they all share the symbolism of abundance, warmth and family togetherness.

The diet is usually rich, but can include both traditional and modern elements.

APPETIZERS

Classic appetizers:

Cold cuts: A combination of cured meats, various cheeses, olives, nuts and fruits (grapes, dried figs) and fresh bread.

Fish dish: Marinated sardines, smoked salmon or tuna tartare on bread.

Soup: – Creamy mushroom soup with toasted bread.

           – Fish soup with vegetables and a touch of lemon.

MAIN COURSES

Traditional options:

Fish: – Roast sea bass or sea bream with garlic and parsley.

          – Trout or salmon with a side dish of potatoes.

Meat: – Roast pork or roast beef with apple or wine sauce.

           – Stuffed chicken breast with herbs and cranberry sauce.

Roast:  Most often pork, turkey, goose or duck, prepared with herbs and served with a rich sauce.

Soup meat and homemade soup:  Homemade beef soup with noodles is an indispensable introduction to a festive lunch.

Sarma:  Stuffed cabbage heads with meat and rice, cooked in tomato sauce.

Blanched roasted potatoes or mlinci:  As a side dish with meat, they are the most popular.

Meatless options:

Vegan roast: Nut loaf or lasagna with pumpkin and spinach.

Vegetable pie: Leek, broccoli and cheese filling.

SIDE DISHES

Potato dishes:  Roasted potatoes with garlic and rosemary.

DESSERTS

Traditional desserts: – Potica (walnut, poppy seed, chocolate).   

                                       – Gingerbread and holiday cookies.

Modern desserts: – Chocolate cake with raspberries.

                                 – Cheesecake with cinnamon and honey.

                                 – Panna cotta with lemon and pomegranate.

DRINKS

For children: Hot chocolate, homemade apple or cranberry juice.

For adults: – Mulled wine with cinnamon, cloves and orange.

                    – Apple cider or sparkling wine for toasting  

                    – Champagne or sparkling wine with strawberries.

Use candles, evergreens and festive napkins to decorate the table. Arrange the food so that you start with light appetizers, followed by main courses with selected side dishes, and end with dessert.

Some dishes, such as desserts, potato dishes and some appetizers, can be prepared the day before.