UPDATE: The beloved Christmas Eve tradition, the Feast of the Seven Fishes, is gaining attention as families prepare for their festive meals this December 24. This Italian-American celebration, rich in seafood dishes, offers a perfect opportunity to create lasting memories and delicious meals.
Originating in southern Italy, the Feast of the Seven Fishes, also known as La Vigilia or the Vigil, reflects a Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat before holy days. This joyous feast symbolizes anticipation for Jesus’ birth and incorporates the number seven, which holds significant biblical meaning.
For those looking to establish a new Christmas Eve tradition, this feast is a perfect choice. Families across the United States are embracing this culinary experience with enthusiasm. It’s not just about the food; it’s about coming together to celebrate love, heritage, and the splendid season of Christmas.
The feast is typically a multi-course meal featuring at least seven different seafood dishes, and there’s no strict menu. This means families can personalize their meal to include their favorites, making it a truly unique experience. A typical dinner may feature appetizers like crab tostada bites, followed by a refreshing salad, hearty pasta, and even a showstopping main course like steamed lobster with herb butter.
The excitement around the Feast of the Seven Fishes is palpable as cooking enthusiasts share recipes and tips online. Bon Appetit contributor Emily Saladino highlights the joy of this feast, where the grand finale often involves a celebratory feast of lobster. As Saladino notes, “We all cheerfully tie novelty plastic bibs over our holiday finery before we crack into the claws, a sound as profoundly reminiscent of Christmas to me as carols or sleigh bells.”
If you’re considering participating in this festive tradition, here are some suggested dishes to include:
– **First Course**: Start with smoked salmon spread on baguette slices or crab stuffed mushrooms.
– **Second Course**: Enjoy a butter lettuce salad with tiny shrimp or a Caesar salad with anchovies.
– **Third Course**: Move to hearty options like grilled salmon or clams with spicy tomato broth.
– **Fourth Course**: For pasta lovers, consider scallop pasta with burst tomatoes or linguine with shrimp scampi.
– **Fifth Course**: Serve a crab and corn chowder for a warming touch.
– **Sixth Course**: A palate cleanser of grapefruit sorbet is perfect before the final course.
– **Seventh Course**: Conclude with steamed lobster and melted butter, creating a memorable end to your feast.
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is not limited to Italian or Catholic families; anyone with a love for seafood can join in this delicious tradition. If preparing seven different seafood dishes feels overwhelming, consider hosting a potluck where guests can each bring a specific seafood dish to share.
As families gather this Christmas Eve, the Feast of the Seven Fishes offers a chance to celebrate with gusto, love, and an appreciation for good food. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create cherished memories, share stories, and indulge in a culinary journey that captures the spirit of Christmas.
Get ready to dive into the flavors of this festive feast and make this Christmas Eve a night to remember!
