Columbus Day is soon approaching which means the day has to be celebrated with good food while surrounded by loved ones. Since it is believed that Christopher Columbus was born in Italy, some Italian dishes are a must-have on this day. So, if you are still trying to figure out the menu for the Columbus Day holiday meal, add some of these ideas to your recipe list. These dishes are easy to make and absolutely delicious at the same time, ensuring you don’t have to spend the entire day in the kitchen preparing food.
Truffled Risotto With Sauteed Scallops
This quintessential Italian dish is perfect to feed a large family. Since it is a one-pot (or pan) wonder, you will have less cleanup to do post-preparation. Although originated in Northern Italy, risotto now has become a much-loved recipe around the world. So, this Columbus Day why not make this meal for your family? Just make sure you use high-starch and short-grained rice, like Arborio or Carnaroli for the recipe. You can add freshly grated truffle, truffle cheese, plump sautéed scallops, or other ingredients that are to your liking (or whatever is in your fridge) to make this meal.
Buttermilk Cornbread
Buttermilk, cornmeal, salt, shortening, and flour are all you need to make this Columbus Day holiday meal dish. Easy to make and suitable for all age groups, this recipe will be loved by everyone. Simply mix all the ingredients in a pan, transfer it to a skillet, and bake it till the toothpick comes out clean.
Bruschetta With Tomato and Basil
This Italian dish will make the perfect appetizer for Columbus Day. The tomato and basil mixture creates a refreshing and flavorful topping for a well-toasted baguette that goes well with coffee or any fall-themed drink. Moreover, you can pre-prep the ingredients and assemble them just before serving, making your meal prep much easier.
Eggplant Parmesan
If you are bored of making the same old dishes of eggplant, then try this recipe on Columbus Day. It is easy to prepare as the dish does not include any breading. It is also super moist with fresh mozzarella and oregano on top, enhancing the flavor of the dish even further. Everyone will surely demand a second serving of this deliciousness.
Pumpkin Gnocchi
The pumpkin gnocchi recipe is perfect for celebrating Columbus Day on a fall evening. While the classic version of gnocchi is made with semolina flour, which can be quite heavy, this recipe uses pumpkin (or butternut squash). Flavorful and filled with all the nutritional properties of pumpkin (or butternut squash), this will make for a great Italian-inspired dinner dish.
White Chocolate and Raspberry Panna Cotta
No celebration is complete without a dessert. So, try this recipe this Columbus Day. It is a creamy and decadent Italian dessert that is made with heavy cream and sugar and thickened with gelatin so that the dessert “sets”, and sits elegantly on a plate. However, you can serve this dessert in a glass jar as well. Also, instead of white chocolate and raspberry jam, you can use your favorite fruit preserves to customize the flavor to your family’s tastebuds. It’s a versatile and customizable dessert that can be made keeping everyone’s favorite topping in mind.
Spanish Rice
Include this dish in your holiday menu for a filling option. Uber-flavorful and delectable, the recipe comes together in a matter of minutes. Moreover, it requires only five ingredients (chicken broth, white rice, oil, onion, and salsa). You can also add in more ingredients per your liking.
Columbus Day is celebrated to commemorate explorer Christopher Columbus’ landing in the New World. So, delicious food is a must to mark the occasion. Hence, try these recipes on October 14th and let us know which of them got a thumbs up from your little ones.
