A Traditional Umbrian Easter Menu at il Fontanaro farm, Umbria, Italy
Would you like to join us next year for an unforgettable Easter in the heart of Umbria? Let’s celebrate together with great food, fine wine, and the magic of Italian hospitality!
Here is a Traditional Umbrian Easter Menu foryou!
Lombetto: The King of Easter Antipasti
A true Umbrian delicacy, lombetto is a lean, air-dried pork loin cured with salt and spices. Its delicate yet intense flavor pairs beautifully with warm, homemade torta pasquale al formaggio. Once a luxury reserved for special occasions, today it remain an essential part of Easter breakfast or antipasti, typically served alongside other local cured meats.
Torta Pasquale al Formaggio: The Irresistible Easter Cheese Bread
What’s Easter morning without a slice of warm torta pasquale al formaggio? This golden, savory bread is rich with pecorino, Parmesan, and just a hint of black pepper, creating a soft and fragrant texture. Traditionally, Umbrian families enjoy it at breakfast with cured meats and a glass of red wine—yes, even in the morning! This ancient custom dates back centuries when food and wine were deeply tied to religious festivities.
Fried Artichokes and Chicken: The Crisp Taste of Spring
Spring brings artichokes at their peak, and there’s no better way to enjoy them than fried to crispy perfection. At Il Fontanaro, we keep it simple: fresh artichokes, sliced and fried in our own extra virgin olive oil—no butter, just pure golden goodness. The result? A crunchy, flavorful bite that pairs beautifully with traditional fried chicken, a beloved Easter dish that highlights the season’s fresh ingredients.
Roasted Lamb with Potatoes: A Symbol of Easter
Lamb is the centerpiece of the Umbrian Easter table, symbolizing renewal and tradition. At Il Fontanaro, we prepare it the traditional way: slow-roasted with garlic, rosemary, and a splash of white wine, then paired with golden, crispy potatoes. The secret? Letting it cook slowly until the meat is tender and infused with flavor. This dish has been a staple of Easter celebrations for centuries, rooted in both biblical tradition and local farming culture.
Other Umbrian Easter Traditions
Beyond the food, Easter in Umbria is filled with unique customs and celebrations:
La Colazione di Pasqua (Easter Breakfast)
Unlike a typical breakfast, Easter morning in Umbria starts with a full feast. Families gather around the table to enjoy torta al formaggio, lombetto, capocollo, hard-boiled eggs, and even a glass of wine—a rich and savory way to kick off the holiday.
Scoppio della Quaranta (The Explosion of the Cart)
In some Umbrian towns, Easter morning begins with a spectacular event known as the Scoppio della Quaranta. A cart filled with fireworks is ignited in the town square, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity for the coming year.
The Blessing of the Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are not just for eating—they also hold deep symbolic meaning. In many Umbrian villages, people bring baskets of eggs to the church to be blessed before the big Easter meal. The egg represents new life and rebirth, making it a central element of the holiday.
La Pasquetta: Easter Monday Picnics
Easter celebrations don’t stop on Sunday! La Pasquetta, or Easter Monday, is a beloved tradition where families and friends pack up leftovers and head to the countryside for a picnic. It’s a day filled with outdoor feasting, laughter, and the joy of springtime in Umbria.
Celebrate Easter the Umbrian Way!
At Il Fontanaro, Easter is not just a holiday—it’s an experience. From the first slice of torta pasquale in the morning to the last bite of roasted lamb at lunch, every dish tells a story of tradition, family, and the beauty of slow living.
Would you like to join us next year for an unforgettable Easter in the heart of Umbria? Let’s celebrate together with great food, fine wine, and the magic of Italian hospitality!