Takeaway cannelloni win over Sant Esteve despite the rain in Barcelona

Sant Esteve once again fills tables with cannelloni. Homemade or ready to take away? The quick option is gaining ground every year. Rain affects sales, but the tradition lives on. Discover how this custom is evolving in Barcelona.

The tradition of Sant Esteve in Barcelona keeps cannelloni as the undisputed star of the table. Every year, the choice is between making them at home with leftovers from the Christmas roast or buying them ready to enjoy. The option of taking them away prepared continues to gain followers, especially on festive days like this 27 December.

At Bodega del Poblenou, the rain has slowed the usual flow of customers, although they expect to sell around 2,000 cannelloni this Sant Esteve. The most popular are the traditional ones, sold in trays of five and available freshly gratinated. The classic recipe remains, but with an innovative touch: they lower the temperature and cooking time, and add a little stock to the béchamel.

For those looking for different flavours, the venue also offers cannelloni with pheasant, truffle and foie, as well as ricotta and spinach, which have become more popular. In addition, this year they are offering roast chicken, with about 50 portions expected to be sold. Although December is the strongest month for sales, those in charge of the business expect lower takings due to the bad weather.

Lucia Alves, the manager, notes that the rain during the holidays has discouraged many buyers from leaving home. Most orders were placed from October, which has helped keep sales relatively stable despite the weather.