Five Italian New Year's Eve food you should try

We're all ready to celebrate 2022! Here are five dishes you can't miss!

Felice Capodanno! 

Are you wondering what an authentic Capodanno (literally "head of the year") looks like? The answer is straightforward: great food and excellent wine are the essences of this Italian experience. In Italy, we celebrate the night of December 31 with the so-called Cenone di San Silvestro (New Year's Eve dinner); the celebrations continue the next day with Pranzo di Capodanno (New Year Day lunch). We've put together a little list of must-try specialties. Oh...and don't forget this little detail: according to the Italian tradition, on New Year's Eve, you're supposed to wear red underwear for love and luck! As we say in Italy, "non è vero, ma ci credo," literally "It's not true, but I believe it!"

1. Cotechino

If you're treating yourself to an Italian-style New Year's Eve, there's no way you can skip cotechino, a kind of large slow-cooked pork sausage. According to tradition, cotechino is served with lentils on New Year's Eve. We typically eat "cotechino e lenticchie" (lentils) at midnight. Why? Because lentils (resembling coins) symbolize money, wealth, and abundance in the coming year. Since the times of ancient Romans, they have been considered a symbol of good luck. Cotechino has very humble origins; the first appearance is dated around 1745. The birthplace of this delicacy is Modena, in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. So, if you want to have abundance, good luck, and money in the new year, don't forget to eat lentils and cotechino. The good news is that Magnificent has you covered, getting a delicious cotechino delivered right to your door. Try our Levoni Cotechino, an absolute guarantee of authenticity and the highest quality.

2. Tortellini or Cappelletti in brodo 

This dish - popular in the holiday season - comes from the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Tortellini and cappelletti (literally "little hats") are small filled egg pasta in a vegetable or meaty broth. Tortellini and cappelletti look very similar. The difference is in the filling. According to tradition, tortellini are filled with pork loin, mortadella, prosciutto, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and nutmeg. The filling of cappelletti instead consists of a mixture of beef or pork, eggs, and various vegetables.

3. Risotto

Another dish considered a good omen on New Year's Eve is rice. Grains of rice represent abundance and wealth. Especially in northern Italy, it is tradition to serve a New Year's Eve first course of risotto. On New Year's Eve, the most popular risottos are the classic Milanese risotto, traditional mushroom risotto, and seafood risotto.

4. Pandoro

Pandoro and panettone are the most beloved dome-shaped bread cake of the holiday season. While panettone is wildly popular at Christmas, Pandoro is usually the prevalent choice for New Year's Eve. If you're in Italy, you'll have to choose which side you're on: what is better, Pandoro or Panettone? The good news is that Magnifico offers you a wide selection of both!

5. Italian bubbles

You can't toast the New Year without a glass full of delicious Italian bubbles! Franciacorta, Spumante, Prosecco, sparkling wines are essential in any Italian celebration menu! Salute e auguri di buon anno!