Restaurant chain PizzaExpress has launched its first-ever Christmas tasting menu with five courses of festive flavours.
Featuring a selection of new additions alongside favourites from the past, including vegan and gluten-free options, diners can get into the festive spirit.
Pizza dishes include Romana Porchetta, which takes slow-cooked pork, and puts it on a white béchamel base with crispy pancetta, mozzarella, garlic oil, and fennel seeds.
Padana Natale is the festive edition of the classic PizzaExpress recipe, featuring goat’s cheese, spinach, mozzarella, tomato, garlic oil and red onions - now topped with a fruity cranberry sauce.
Mushroom & Truffle is now available in pizzerias after being a Deliveroo exclusive last year. Last but not least, while vegans will be delighted to hear that the Mushroom & Pine Nut is also back on the menu.
Fans of classic Christmas flavours will love the Turkey Polpette, which sees succulent turkey meatballs baked in PizzaExpress’s Italian tomato sauce with sweet roast peppers, rosemary and garlic, topped with an oozing layer of melted mozzarella.
The popular Melanzanine is only available as part of the tasting menu. This al forno dish features layers of grilled aubergine, surrounded by tangy tomato sauce, baked in the oven with a hit of garlic and stringy mozzarella.
For dessert, choose from Orange & Carrot Cake, Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake, Salted Caramel Profiteroles, Chocolate Brownie or Caffè Reale on the tasting menu, or go for another festive treat that only comes around once a year.
The PizzaExpress iconic Snowball Dough Balls are back. Dusted with cinnamon and icing sugar, these delicious balls of dough are served with fruit coulis, salted caramel, or fresh buttercream with a chocolate straw.
Those that prefer savoury won’t be disappointed with the Christmas Cheese Plate. First listed on the menu back in 1965, Pecorino, Gran Milano and a blue cheese are served with flatbreads and a tasty red onion chutney.
Jane Treasure, food & beverage director at PizzaExpress, said: “It goes without saying that Christmas is a special time of year, and we’re excited to be launching such a great collection of recipes for pizza fans.
"This year’s festive menu is definitely one of our favourites, featuring lots of winter flavours we know customers will love - a particular highlight is the tasting menu, which has even more sparkle when enjoyed with one of our exclusive cocktails or drinks pairings.”
The official cookbook, PizzaExpress: From Italy with Love is another perfect gift, and available online or in pizzerias throughout the festive period. For more information, visit: pizzaexpress.com/christmas.
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