What is the Feast of the Seven Fishes?
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian-American Christmas Eve dinner that has been a tradition for many immigrant families since the 1900s. This seven-course seafood meal has deep roots in southern Italy and Roman Catholic traditions, but it is not an official feast day for these religious observers. It is unclear where the number seven came from in the name “Feast of the Seven Fishes,” but seven does come up in the bible hundreds of times. One of the most notable times that seven appears in the bible is when God created the earth in six days and rested on the seventh.
Common fish used in the Feast of the Seven Fishes include baccala (salt cod), eel, mussels, octopus, oysters, salmon roe (smelts), and scallops. While all of these are great options, don’t feel like you have to limit yourself to these types of fish. Continue reading to see our favorite Feast of the Seven Fishes recipes.
1. Fettuccine with Shrimp and Green Peas (Pasta e Piselli)
Look no further for a simple seafood pasta dish. It consists of fettuccine noodles, shrimp, peas, white wine, heavy cream, olive oil, and some seasonings. We’re not kidding when we say it is difficult for anyone to mess this up, even for people who aren’t as confident in their cooking skills.
The creamy sauce in this recipe is perfect if you’re looking for a straightforward and classic flavor profile. Additionally, this meal naturally brings in festive Christmas colors to your dining table, making it an ideal choice to serve for your feast of the seven fishes.
Get the full recipe and directions here.
2. Pasta Mollicata
Pasta mollicata is one of the most effortless things you can make; it is an ideal appetizer if you’re short on time or food supplies. The secret to this recipe is in the toasted breadcrumb topping. First, toast garlic and anchovy fillets in olive oil until the fish dissolves. Next, pour in some breadcrumbs and toast them until golden brown.
Add cooked bucatini or spaghetti to the toasted breadcrumbs. Sprinkle your mollicata with pecorino cheese and serve immediately. At first glance, pasta mollicata may not appear to be an appropriate dish to make for a Feast of the Seven Fishes, but everyone will notice the anchovy flavor once they take a bite.
Get the full recipe and directions here.
3. Cioppino
Change things up with cioppino whenever you’re just not in the mood for pasta. Cioppino is essentially a fisherman’s stew featuring a combination of seafood, including prawns, halibut, mussels, and clams. Using frozen seafood significantly impacts the flavor of the dish, but if you don’t have access to fresh fish, you can always make the best out of what is available.
Everything comes together in a homemade tomato broth, which is the ultimate pairing that never disappoints. This broth has a slightly spicy note that is addicting enough to make you come back for more. When serving cioppino, make sure everyone has plenty of broth to last through the whole meal because the broth and fish go hand in hand.
Get the full recipe and directions here.
4. Prawns and Polenta
This colorful dish is a great way to start any Italian-themed feast. Start by making the tomato reduction sauce. It calls for chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dry white wine, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. The sauce is the most time-consuming part since it takes 40 minutes for it to cook down.
Add your prawns to the sauce during the last five minutes to let them cook through. While you’re waiting on the sauce, whip up a batch of polenta in a separate pot. Bring a pot of chicken broth to a boil, and continually whisk in the polenta. Quickly bring down the heat and frequently stir it with a wooden spoon until the polenta thickens. Once you’re ready, serve the saucy prawns on top of the creamy polenta and eat your heart out.
Get the full recipe and directions here.
5. Calamari Soup
Calamari soup is easy to make and always delicious. The best part is, all you need is nine ingredients, and there is minimal prep work involved to put it all together. This soup is an excellent choice if you’re the type of person that prefers a “set it and forget it” kind of recipe.
After prepping and combining all the ingredients, let it simmer for 45 minutes to develop the flavors. The tantalizing aroma will make your home so inviting for your dinner guests the moment they enter. They may even think you slaved away for hours at the stove because it’s just that good.
Get the full recipe and directions here.
6. Baked Clams
Try this classic seafood dish for your next holiday gathering. First, soak the raw clams in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain them and repeat. Next, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer the clams to a large pot and fill the pot with fresh water until fully submerged. Add two garlic cloves, then set the stove to high heat.
Once the water is boiling, turn down the heat to a simmer until the clams open. As you poach the clams, mix breadcrumbs, Parmigiano Reggiano, parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Use a spoon to top your cooked clams with the breadcrumb mixture and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Feel free to incorporate other spices to the breadcrumbs or add lemon zest on top of the clams right before serving.
Get the full recipe and directions here.
7. Salmon Pesto Tart
Last but not least, this salmon pesto tart is an eye-catching dish that is sure to impress your friends and family. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even make a homemade pastry crust, but store-bought shortcrust pastry works just as well. Use a food processor to make an eggy spinach filling and set it aside.
Prepare the tart pan with your pastry crust and spread a layer of pesto and shredded mozzarella cheese. Next, and pour the spinach mixture and arrange pieces of cooked salmon on top. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a knife in the middle of the tart. When it comes out clean, it is ready to eat.
Get the full recipe and directions here.
We hope you enjoy creating your own Feast of the Seven Fishes for Christmas Eve this year. Let us know in the comments below about your favorite fish recipe. Happy cooking!
If you like this post, we think you’ll really like our Best Seafood Mac n Cheese Recipes post.
