The Feast of the Seven Fishes
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 : 11:33 AM
There are lots of different seafood traditions that are celebrated at Christmas time. Possibly one of the most popular is known as "The feast of the seven fishes".
"The Feast of the Seven Fishes" is an Italian-American tradition. This tradition stems from the Roman Catholic tradition of abstaining from eating any meat or animal fat until Christmas day, or the feast day. So, conformist Catholics would eat seafood on La Vigailia (Christmas Eve) instead. The tradition was celebrated through the years, then Italian immigrants brought it over to America where it grew in popularity. The feast is more of an American tradition now with many Italians not even knowing what "The feast of the seven fishes" is.
Given its name, either seven seafood dishes, courses or varieties are enjoyed on the eve of the feast day but there really are no strict rules. Many just enjoy an abundance of seafood as a meal together. There are so many easy, simple recipes that you can create to make your very own "Feast of the Seven Fishes". Seafood is so versatile the possibilities are endless.
Pasta is a favourite during the feast. Many include seven or more varieties of seafood in one big batch of pasta (doesn't that just sound amazing!) You could throw as much tasty seafood as you wanted into either a creamy, garlic and white wine sauce or maybe a tomato and chile sauce and serve with some toasted garlic bread. One of those meals that everyone can really dig into and after, you all laze on the couch, stuffed, watching some good Christmas Eve TV.
Others have seven separate fish courses or seven separate dishes full of various seafood. These are both great ideas if you are looking to host your own Christmas eve feast to a party of friends and family. Seven courses does sound like a lot, but like we said before there are so many options with seafood as it is so versatile. Your seven course meal could be filled with a variety of easy dishes. A light salad with scallops or langoustines. Delicious pate made with smoked mackerel or maybe a smoked salmon mousse? Calamari made with delicious local squid is another favourite which could feature for a course. A fish broth or soup followed by a delicious pasta dish. Sushi to mix it up a bit. Seafood paella. There are so many tasty options to choose from.
We have an abundance of delicious recipes over on our website which you could use. Some of our favourites include:
- Hake with crushed Baby Potatoes, buttered Spinach and a Saffron Vinaigrette
- Scallops Haggis and Fried Pear
- Crab and Parmesan baked Samosa (pictured below)
If you would like to explore more recipes click here.
Join in this year with a great family tradition and plan your delicious "Feast of the Seven Fishes".
If you would like us to send you some extra fresh seafood to you this Christmas with your Fishbox delivery, just add whatever you would like through our exclusive Fishbox Club website. This way you can enjoy a real fresh seafood feast with as much seafood as you would like.
We also now have very special banquet boxes available to purchase on our website which are perfect for a fuss free Christmas feast. Receive enough seafood to see you through the festive season. The banquet box have lots of information about how to create a stress free banquet using the gorgeous fish provided. A perfect idea if you feel like creating your own "Feast of the seven fishes". Follow this link to find out more - Banquet Box
