NYC’s San Gennaro Feast: 5 street food faves you don’t want to miss

Growing up in New York as an Italian-American means Sunday meatballs on repeat once a week, Nana asking you if you are hungry the moment you walk in the door, and Catholic traditions that mark the calendar— complete with special dishes to prepare, and of course, the San Gennaro Feast in September in New York City’s Little Italy.

Saint Gennaro is the patron saint of Naples, Italy. He was martyred during the Christian persecutions in the third century, and is often called upon to bring good fortune and protect the city and its residents during his feast day celebration of September 19th.

Much like the Neapolitanos from the home country, Italian-Americans beyond the five boroughs love celebrating the saint — who once served as the bishop of Benevento — and now do so through processions, music, street food stalls, and a cultural events.

The San Gennaro Feast’s official website, says of its history: “In 1926 with keeping their Neapolitan traditions, [Italian-Americans] decided to have a one day block party for their patron saint and protector of Naples, San Gennaro, which continued year after year something that has now and for decades become not only a New York icon but a world known 11-day event which stretches throughout 11 blocks of the Little Italy neighborhood.”

Food is a big part of the celebration. To take you there, here are five well known staples that any street food aficionado should look for when visiting this famed festival.

Anything with cannoli cream

Authentic cannoli cream is mostly made with ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and a touch of cinnamon. Some Italian bakeries add chocolate chips or dried fruit, and a little heavy cream if necessary to thin out the cream just a bit. The key is to drain the ricotta and whip until creamy. 

Sausage and peppers

Making this dish at home is comfort for our family. We usually enjoy this as an easy mid-week bake and serve meal. But, there is nothing quite like enjoying this sangwich (Italian slang for sandwich) on Mulberry Street while taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of Little Italy. 

Zeppoles

Every culture has some form of fried dough. Sometimes, these stalls also sell fried oreos and funnel cakes. Best eaten hot, and right out of the fryer!

Prosciutto, hand-pulled mozz, and roasted pepper sangwich

A proper Italian sangwich with cured, imported Italian meats and hand pulled mozzarella may rival the warm and toasty fresh off the grill sausage and peppers, but just like its cousin, the key to this sangwich is the Italian bread which it is made with.

Semolina baguette with sesame seeds is from my childhood, but if one wants to level up you can include a little evoo (extra virgin olive oil) and salt and pepper.

Pizza

Simple ingredients in a wood fired oven for the best pizza Napoletana. No fancy toppings are needed. This light and tender thin crust pizza cooks in minutes at a temperature of almost 500°C. Hand tossed and fired to perfection with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is best folded in half and eaten on the spot.

A Slice of New York

The Feast of San Gennaro is a celebration of our Catholic faith. Italian-American culture, heritage, and of course, comforting food. Growing up in an Italian-American household, this time of year always meant indulging in the simple pleasures of street food that is nostalgic, and reminds us of family, just like Nana’s Sunday Sauce.

Be it cannoli cream to sausage and peppers, and everything in between, the flavors of Little Italy remind me of home, tradition, and delicious memories. 

Whether you’re a die-hard street food aficionado or simply curious to experience a slice of New York’s rich Italian heritage, the San Gennaro Feast is a street food journey that should not be missed. So, grab a sangwich, a slice, or some zeppoles covered in powdered sugar to savor every moment of this iconic celebration. – Rappler.com