How to Prepare an Authentic Christmas: 3 Traditional Bolognese First Courses

Christmas has a feel all its own.
The soft lights, the table that smells of family, the kitchen that returns to being the heart of the home.
And in Bologna — as we know — there is no celebration without a tradition that is renewed every year: first courses made as they once were , those that bring with them history, slow gestures and flavors that remind us of home.

If you want to prepare a truly authentic Christmas, here are three essential Bolognese first courses , with a few little tips to make them special... without losing the taste of tradition.

🎄 1. Tortellini in broth: the king of Christmas

Tortellini are the party.
There's a reason why in Bologna they say that " a Christmas without tortellini isn't Christmas ": this little treasure chest of egg pasta contains one of Italy's noblest fillings - loin, ham, mortadella, Parmesan, nutmeg.

The secret?
Immerse them in a rich broth , made with capon or chicken, simmered slowly for hours. The broth should be clear, golden, and fragrant.

🌟 Gentle tip:
If you want to bring an appetizer to the table that prepares the palate for the magic of broth, you can serve small crostini with traditional Bolognese ragù Lina Sapori e Delizie : soft, enveloping, fragrant like the one on Sundays of yesteryear.

🌟 2. Egg tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce

Tagliatelle are the symbol of Bolognese cuisine, simple and perfect when the sauce is as good as the pasta.

At Christmas in Emilia, many choose tortellini, but for those who celebrate in abundance (a menu with two first courses), tagliatelle with ragù remain a timeless certainty .

The perfect ragù?
Thick, rich, slow-cooked — at least four hours, better five.
The sauce should envelop the pasta without covering it, like a hug.

🌟 Idea to bring to the table:
Lina Sapori e Delizie tagliatelle , combined with our traditional Lina Sapori e Delizie Bolognese ragù , are the simplest way to guarantee an impeccable result even when time is short.

3. Lasagna alla Bolognese: a celebration that smells like home

Lasagna is a hymn to conviviality.
Perfect for Christmas when the house fills up, when everyone sits around the table chatting, laughing and waiting.

For an authentic version you need:

• green spinach puff pastry
• velvety béchamel sauce
• important Bolognese ragù
• Generous Parmesan

Each layer is a gesture of love, a ritual that is repeated every year.

🌟 Practical advice:
For those seeking artisanal quality, it is possible to create a perfect pan using our fresh pasta and completing it with the traditional Bolognese ragù Lina Sapori e Delizie , prepared according to the family recipe.

🎁 The true magic of Christmas in Bologna

Authentic Christmas isn't just a menu.
It's a feeling: the house warming up, the aromas mingling, the dishes telling who we are and where we come from.

Whether you choose tortellini, tagliatelle, or lasagna, remember:
tradition doesn't live in recipes…
It lives in the hands of those who prepare it and in the hearts of those who sit at the table.

👉 Want to bring Bolognese tradition into your Christmas?

Discover our artisanal sauces, fresh pasta, and a selection of products that tell the story of our cuisine.
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