The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a cherished tradition synonymous with an authentic Italian American Christmas celebration.
While few Sicilians in Italy may recall thisholiday tradition, it has been kept alive and passed down through generations ofItalian-American families.
The Feast of the Seven Fishes tradition is to eat at least 7fish disheson the evening of December 24.
The Origins of the Seven Fishes (festa dei sette pesci)
Some say the tradition stems from theroman catholic churchtradition of eating meatless meals on vigils like Christmas Eve.
Insouthern Italy, fish was an obvious and abundant meat substitute. Others believe seven symbolize completion or perfection in the Bible.
And it’s no secret that fish also plays a big part in the Christmas story!
While its exact origins remain uncertain, it is believed to have originated in theearly 1900sin the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy inNew York City.
With the influx ofItalian immigrantsduring the peak of emigration, this tradition found fertile ground to flourish.
The Significance of the Number Seven
Why aseven-course meal?
The number seven represents various significant elements, including the seven sacraments, the seven days of creation, the seven virtues, the sevendeadly sins, and the seven days it took Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus.
The tradition of consumingdifferent seafood disheson “la Vigilia” di Natale is interpreted in two ways: as a sacrificial act, representing the anticipation of Jesus’ birth, or as a gesture of welcome and respect towards the unborn child.
28 Recipes for theFeast of the Seven Fishes Dinner
#1 Deep Fried, Battered Salt Cod (Baccalà)
Christmas Eve Italian style is only complete with baccala, orsalt cod, one of Italy’s most famoustraditional dishes.
This is how all theItalian grandmothersused to make it, and it will please both the kids and adults!
#2 Baked Clams Oreganata
Delight in the flavors of baked clams seasoned with fragrant oregano.
It is a classic addition to any Feast of the Seven Fishes spread.
#3 BRODETTO DI PESCE
Perfect for Feast of The Seven Fishes. Brodetto di Pesce (seafood in broth) is a popular Christmas seafood dish with mixed fish and seafood and could not be easier to make.
#4 Italian Seafood Salad Recipe
Thischilled seafood saladis filled with sevendifferent types of seafoodand flavored—the best addition to your ItalianChristmas Eve dinnerand for theFeast of Seven Fishes.
#5 Scallops with ‘nduja garlic butter
Scallops in a delicious and spicy garlic Nduja butter.
This recipe is super easy to make yet has that wow factor that’s perfect for special occasions
#6 CRAB RAVIOLI
Crab ravioli may take a little more time than ready-made pasta, but the result is worth the effort.
The delicate crab filling is light and delicious.
#7 SICILIAN SWORDFISH WITH OLIVES AND CAPERS (PESCE SPADA ALLA GHIOTTA)
This traditional swordfish dish is easy to prepare and packed with lovely flavors and colors—just the perfectmain coursefor a festive dinner as a midweek meal.
#8 BAKED GARLIC SHRIMP OREGANATA
Garlic shrimp oreganata is a traditional Italian dish that is easy to make and great to enjoy with a glass of wine during theholiday feast.
#9 HAKE RECIPE
Baked hake is an elegant, simple dish loaded with bright flavors!
This dish, prepared withjuicy tomatoes, kalamata olives, and brightlemon juice, will be the star of any dinner.
#10 ITALIAN BACCALA RECIPE
This Italianwhite fishrecipe consists of pan-seared cod inwhite winesauce, making a restaurant-quality meal with bright, citrusy, and herbaceous flavors. It is perfect for Christmas!
#11 Quick and Easy Spicy Sauteed Calamari
Thisheavenly combination of calamariis bursting with flavor from capers, olives, green onions, garlic, hot pepper,lemon juice, and a crispy breadcrumb topping.
#12 Cioppino Recipe
Cioppino is an Italian “zuppa di pesce” fish stew made with crab and shellfish in a savory tomato broth.
An easy yet elegant meal!
#13 CALAMARI FRITTI
This recipe for calamari fritti has the lightest, crispy coating, just like you’d get in Italy.
Quick and simple to make, this is a seafood dish everyone will love.
Tips: Add other kinds of fish such as shrimp, squid, and mixed minnows to make afritto misto.
#14 Spaghetti With Clams
Transport yourself in Italy with this classicpasta dishfeaturing tender clams and al dente spaghetti.
A touch of garlic,white wine, and parsley harmonize the flavors.
#15 CALAMARATA PASTA (CALAMARI AND TOMATO SAUCE)
Calamarata is a quintessential Neapolitan seafoodpasta saucefeaturing a brothytomato sauceperfect for la scarpetta.
Make it in just 20 minutes for Christmas dinner!
#16 Insalata di Baccalà (Italian Salt Cod Salad)
Flakedsalt codis tossed witholive oil, parsley, and garlic for a light seafood salad, perfect as an appetizer or part of an antipasto platter.
#17 BAKED FISH RAVIOLI FROM LIGURIA
This ravioli recipe calls for the fish to be baked first before being used in the filling.
The ravioli are then filled and served in a light seafood sauce, allowing the flavors of the fish to really shine through.
#18 Linguine Frutti Di Mare
This easy linguine frutti di mare recipe is the best seafood dish for Christmas.
Filled with fivedifferent kinds of seafoodin a lighttomato sauce, this flavorful dish comes together in less than 45 minutes.
#19 Italian Tuna White Bean Salad
A festivetuna fish saladpacked with cannellini beans, onions, oregano, and red wine vinegar is the perfect balanced plate for Christmas Eve.
#20 Salmon Cacciatore
Salmon Cacciatore!
Crispy, pan-seared salmon in a rustictomato sauceflavored with onions, garlic, and kalamata olives!
Aclassic Italian dishmade with salmon.
#21 Spicy Garlic Shrimp
Succulent Spicy Garlic Shrimp is the perfect, simple appetizer or asecond coursefor all seafood lovers!
It is abundant with flavor but not complexity, with only a few key ingredients and a bit of marinating time.
Plus, it gives you lots of fun dipping opportunities!
#22 Mussel Soup Italian Style
Italian-style mussel soup is a cozy meal for your loved ones on Christmas!
#23 SHRIMP SCAMPI WITH GARLIC AND LEMON
Shrimp sautéed quickly in garlic,white wine, andlemon zestbecome a quick, satisfying appetizer for celebrating Christmas Eve as a family.
#24 Pasta With Sardines And Cherry Tomatoes
Enjoy this hearty yet lightpasta dish’s bright flavors of sardines, tomatoes, andfresh herbs, perfect for Christmas Eve feasting.
#25 Pan Seared Scallop Salad with a Mandarin Vinaigrette
Sweet seared scallops are dressed and paired with colorful veggies, making this salad refined but relaxed for Christmas festivities.
#26 Pistachio Crusted Fish
Pistacchio crusted fish is a great idea to elevate the flavor of a simple baked fish.
Pistacchio crust is super easy to make, crunchy, and flavorful. The crust adds flavor to the fish and keeps it from drying out.
#27 Grilled Swordfish
Juicy grilled swordfish steaks are a delicious main protein for Christmas Eve supper, whether served with lemon wedges or on more composed plates.
#28 Smoked Salmon Wreath
This Smoked Salmon Wreath is the perfect addition to your festive table.
Simple to prepare and so delicious.
See also:
- Beautiful Christmas Tree Pastry With Pesto – Delicious Christmas Appetizer
- Italian Christmas Appetizers: The Best Meals You’ll Want To Prepare
- Italian Christmas Desserts: 31 Of The Best Italian Dessert Recipes
Buon Natale and Happy Holidays!
