Feast of the Seven Fishes
The Feast of the Seven Fishes originated in Southern Italy, where fish was a plentiful food source. The Feast has become a beloved tradition for many Americans. It is celebrated by many Roman Catholics as there is a tradition of not eating meat on certain days throughout the year, including Christmas Eve. The number seven is repeated more than 700 times throughout the Bible and is considered symbolic in Christianity. The Feast takes place on Christmas Eve when family and friends gather for a seafood smorgasbord.Some have seven fish dishes served for dinner, but others will offer seven different courses, with only some including seafood. We've put together ideas for small appetizers, soup, pasta, entrée, and a side salad, each with seafood as the focus (except dessert, of course).
First Course: Snacks and Appetizers
Shrimp Cocktail
A platter of freshly cooked and chilled shrimp is about as easy and festive as it gets. We make it even easier! Purchase a shrimp ring and cocktail sauce at your local Kuhn's and take the prep work out of the first course.
Crab Dip with Garlic Saltines
If there's a celebration, there has to be a dip, and crab dip is always a winner. Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, chives, crab meat, and salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate until dinner. Garlic saltines pair nicely with the blended flavors of the dip.
Second Course: Greens and Seafood Salad
Grilled Seafood Salad
This salad is quite festive, with hints of red and green veggies. Thread the scallops and squid onto skewers. Brush them with an oil-based dressing of your choice and grill until cooked, turning every few minutes. Serve hot over your veggies.
Third Course: Hearty Seafood Stew
Clam Chowder
This traditional cream-based soup offers plenty of comforts. A cup of this hearty soup could be a meal in itself. Top it with a seared scallop to make it extra special. Find a great recipe at The Recipe Critic.
Fourth Course: The Pasta Course
Linguine with White Clam Sauce
This dish is so simple to make. After cooking the pasta, add olive oil, garlic, pepper flakes, white wine, and water to a pan, and toss to coat the pasta. Add the clams, cover, and cook, shaking the pan periodically until all the clams open.
Fifth Course: Fish Entrees
Baked Salmon or Halibut
You have many options for baking fish. Add your favorite seasonings or dressings to the fish and bake! Traditionally, a simple white fish like cod is served. Find a great recipe for cod at Eataly.
Sixth Course: A Palate Cleanser
Gelato is a frozen dessert of Italian origin. It is light, tasty, and a great way to help cut through all the rich dishes served and transition to dessert. Find your favorite flavors at Kuhn's Market.
Seventh Course: Dessert
This course can be absolutely anything! Bake something yummy and homemade for your guests, or come to a Kuhn's Market for a ready-to-serve baked good.
Post social media and tag us using #celebratetraditon to share your Feast with us. Visit Kuhns Market to start your Feast of the Seven Fishes list!