Ah, the *seven fishes Christmas Eve*! This beautiful Italian tradition is all about family, celebration, and of course, a delightful seafood feast. Growing up, my family would gather around the table, the aroma of garlic and simmering seafood wafting through the house, creating an atmosphere of warmth and joy. Each fish has its own story, and together they represent abundance and good fortune for the coming year. This recipe brings together a medley of flavors, from the salty goodness of baccalà to the sweet tenderness of shrimp. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of love and heritage, perfect for sharing with those you cherish most. Trust me, once you dive into this dish, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved part of our Christmas Eve festivities!

Ingredients

For this festive *seven fishes Christmas Eve*, you’ll need a wonderful variety of seafood that brings both flavor and tradition to your table. Here’s what you’ll gather:

• 1 lb Baccalà (salted cod), soaked and ready to absorb all those delicious flavors
• 1 lb Calamari (squid), cleaned and sliced into rings for that perfect bite
• 1 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined for ease
• 1 lb Clams, scrubbed clean to let their briny goodness shine
• 1 lb Mussels, also cleaned and de-bearded for a beautiful presentation
• 1 lb Scallops, fresh and sweet, adding a luxurious touch
• 1 lb Anchovies, packed with umami to enhance the dish
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced for that aromatic kick
• 1/2 cup Olive oil, a must for sautéing and flavor
• 1/2 cup White wine, to deglaze and add depth
• 2 cups Tomato sauce, the perfect base to tie everything together
• 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped for a pop of color and freshness

How to Prepare the Seven Fishes Christmas Eve

Now, let’s dive into the delicious process of preparing your *seven fishes Christmas Eve*! It might sound a bit daunting, but I promise it’s all about layering flavors and a little bit of love. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning seafood feast that will impress everyone at the table!

Soaking the Baccalà

First things first: the baccalà! You’ll want to soak it in water for 24 hours, changing the water every 8 hours or so. This step is crucial to remove the salt and get that fish nice and tender. Just think of it as giving your cod a little spa treatment!

Preparing the Seafood

Next up, it’s time to prep the rest of the seafood. Clean the calamari by removing the insides and slicing them into rings. For the shrimp, just peel and devein them. Scrub the clams and mussels under cold water to get rid of any sandy grit, and make sure to de-beard the mussels. Lastly, rinse the scallops gently to keep them pristine!

Cooking the Dish

Now, let’s get cooking! In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant—this is where the magic begins! Add the soaked baccalà and let it cook for about 5 minutes. Then, toss in the calamari, shrimp, clams, mussels, and scallops all at once. Pour in the white wine, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10 minutes to let those flavors meld beautifully. Finally, stir in the tomato sauce, cover again, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, and voilà! Your *seven fishes* feast is ready to shine on the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about this *seven fishes Christmas Eve* dish! It’s not just a meal; it’s a heartfelt tradition that brings everyone together. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love making and sharing it:

• **Rich Tradition**: Each fish symbolizes abundance and good fortune, steeped in Italian heritage.
• **Flavor Variety**: With seven different types of seafood, you’ll experience a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
• **Perfect for Gatherings**: This dish is ideal for holiday celebrations, making a stunning centerpiece for your table.
• **Satisfying and Nourishing**: Packed with protein and healthy fats, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
• **Flexibility**: You can easily adjust the types of fish based on what’s freshest or available.

Tips for Success

To make sure your *seven fishes Christmas Eve* turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, don’t rush the soaking process for the baccalà; it really needs that full 24 hours to become tender. If you’re pressed for time, consider using fresh fish instead of salted varieties for a quicker prep. When sautéing the garlic, keep a close eye on it—burnt garlic can ruin the dish! Also, feel free to mix and match the seafood based on what’s freshest at your market. Lastly, serve it hot with crusty bread on the side to soak up all that delicious sauce!

Nutritional Information

Before we dig into this delightful *seven fishes Christmas Eve*, it’s good to know a bit about the nutritional value! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the brands and specific ingredients you choose. On average, one plate of this festive seafood feast contains approximately:

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 1000mg
• Cholesterol: 150mg

This dish not only celebrates tradition but also provides a wholesome and satisfying meal for your loved ones!

FAQ Section

Got questions about the *seven fishes Christmas Eve*? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:

• Can I use different types of fish? Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any seafood you love or have on hand—just keep the total weight the same.
• What if I can’t find baccalà? No problem! You can substitute it with fresh cod or another firm white fish.
• How do I serve this dish? It’s perfect served family-style in a large bowl with crusty bread on the side for dipping in that yummy sauce!
• Can I make this ahead of time? Definitely! You can prepare the seafood and sauce in advance, then just heat it up before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After enjoying your *seven fishes Christmas Eve*, you might have some delicious leftovers, and that’s totally okay! To store, simply transfer any remaining seafood to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep well for up to 2 days. When it comes to reheating, I recommend gently warming it on the stovetop over low heat. Just add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make the seafood tough. Serve it up again with fresh bread, and you’ll be in seafood heaven once more!

Seven Fishes Christmas Eve: A Heartwarming Seafood Feast

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• Autor: Julia marin
• Gesamtzeit: 1 hour
• Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
• Ernährung: Pescatarian

Drucken-Rezept

Pin-Rezept

Beschreibung

A traditional Italian feast featuring seven different types of fish served on Christmas Eve.

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Zutaten

Skala 1x2x3x

• 1 lb Baccalà (salted cod)
• 1 lb Calamari (squid)
• 1 lb Shrimp
• 1 lb Clams
• 1 lb Mussels
• 1 lb Scallops
• 1 lb Anchovies
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 1/2 cup Olive oil
• 1/2 cup White wine
• 2 cups Tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped

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Anweisungen

1. Soak the salted cod in water for 24 hours, changing the water frequently.
2. Clean and prepare calamari, shrimp, clams, mussels, and scallops.
3. In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add the baccalà and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add calamari, shrimp, clams, mussels, and scallops to the pot.
6. Pour in white wine and simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Add tomato sauce and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Serve with crusty bread.
• Pair with a light white wine.
• Adjust the types of fish based on availability.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
• Kategorie: Main Course
• Methode: Stovetop
• Küche: Italian

Ernährung

• Portionsgröße: 1 plate
• Kalorien: 450
• Zucker: 5g
• Natrium: 1000mg
• Fett: 20g
• Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 3g
• Ungesättigte Fette: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Kohlenhydrate: 30g
• Faser: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterin: 150mg

Keywords: seven fishes christmas eve, Italian Christmas, seafood feast