The taste of Easter on the Amalfi Coast
The spring season has arrived and with it also the rays of the warm sun, blooms and Easter holidays. In every corner of the World, Easter has its ancient traditions and rituals and on Amalfi Coast the tradition becomes an explosion of flavors, scents and conviviality to live in the warmth of your own home. Here, in Italy, Easter festivities are preceded by a long Lenten season, a time of renunciation and prayer… and Easter becomes a symbol of liberation to be celebrated. The best way to celebrate is gathering together at the table and discovering the culinary tradition of our Coast rich in ancient dishes and treats. Ready to find out more about the culinary tradition of our Coast?
First of all, the most wished dish of all is the ‘Tortano’, a savory bread typical throughout the Region and handed down by tradition. It’s a sort of a plum cake and is covered with salted bacon, filled with pepper, local cured meats, cheese and eggs – the mixture of cured meat and cheese varies from recipe to recipe – it must be eaten really hot to enjoy its flavor to the fullest. In line with the Easter coastal tradition, the second main dish is doubtless the roasted lamb, also said ‘O Beneritto – translated as ‘The Blessed’ – so called for the bay leaves added during its preparation and for its religious connection. After all, lambs and goats, were brought as gift by the settlers to owners on the occasion of Easter Holidays and this ritual turned this dish into a timeless culinary tradition during the Easter holidays to local families.
Every dish served on the tables of our Coast is always accompanied by delicious wines that this land boasts. In fact, between terraces and pergolas, are being produced some of the most world-renowned wines of the Divine and not only, such as the white wine ‘Ginestra’, a typical grape variety of the areas of Amalfi, Maiori, Minori, Scala and Ravello named after the characteristic scent of broom; the ‘Ripolo’, a white wine farmed solely in this area; moreover the historical vineyard ‘Piedirosso’, named after the red of the stems of the grapes, which recall the legs of pigeons and finally the Tintore, a red wine typical of the hills of Tramonti. Just some of the broad variety of wines of the Divine to taste! When it comes to sweet, in a real easter lunch cannot miss the famous ‘Pastiera’, a typical cheesecake, rich in ingredients, but with a delicate taste. In ancient times, housewives made it in great quantities during the days before Easter, this tradition has been left unchanged over time. In fact, the preparation of the ‘Pastiera’ begins during the days before Easter even nowadays, the flavor of candied fruit, wheat berries and citrus is a real treat for the palate. And as all around the World, here too there is the tradition of chocolate eggs: an exchange of gifts, surprises for kids and a symbol of rebirth that is about to arrive!
Well, it’s time to lay your tables with pastel-coloured tablecloths, tulips and lots of tasty food to celebrate Easter in any part of the World with LOVE.
The beauty and tradition of our Coast are waiting for you!
Alessandra