Feast of the Seven Fishes
Make your Christmas Eve special by throwing a Feast of the Seven Fishes! This Italian tradition celebrates the holidays with seven different seafood dishes!
Table of Contents
What is Feast of the Seven Fishes
Growing up Italian, most of my childhood memories are centered around good food and family. Christmas time was always made super special by all the festive dishes at the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Each table is lined with seafood themed dishes, family is crammed into every room, and the Christmas tunes are cranked up high. I promise you that you won’t leave the house without smelling like fried fish!
This Italian Christmas tradition takes place on December 24th, Christmas Eve. Feast of the Seven Fishes is also commonly called The Eve.
Typically, one or two different kinds of seafood or fish is prepared in 7 different ways. Why stop at seven? Go ahead and make as many (or little) dishes as you want!
Where did the Feast of the Seven Fishes originate?
Ancient Roman Catholicism prohibits the consumption of meat and dairy products on the eve of holidays, including Christmas. Fish is commonly consumed on Christmas Eve to replace meat.
The seven dishes has some deep rooted meanings in religion as well! It is believed there are seven dishes because the seven days of the Creation, seven sacraments, seven deadly sins, and how often the number 7 shows up in the bible (over 700 times!).
In my family, we have every dish displayed on the table, and everyone serves themselves buffet style. It’s a very laid back and casual vibe and allows everyone to mingle freely. Of course, you can make this a much more formal idea and serve the seven dishes in courses.
Whether you choose to do your Feast of the Seven Fishes buffet style or in courses, make sure there is plenty of wine and room for desserts!
What to serve at Feast of the Seven Fishes
Appetizers
Pasta
Fish
Feast of the Seven Fishes with a southern twist
I’m all about blending flavors- especially my two favorites, southern and Italian! Here are some fun ways to celebrate Feast of the Seven fishes with a fun southern twist!
Cajun Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
Equipment
- Grilling foil
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp salted butter melted
- 3 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 lbs shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 lb crawfish
- 1 lb Cajun sausage cut into 1 inch pieces
- 2 ears of corn sliced into 2 inch disks
- 2 cups baby potatoes halved
- 4 grilling foil cut into 12X12" squares
Optional
- 3 tbsp parsley finely chopped
- lemon wedges
Instructions
- Place the grill on medium high (at least 350 degrees). Add the melted butter, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Add the shrimp, crawfish, sausage, corn, and baby potatoes to a bowl, then drizzle the melted butter mixture over it. Toss everything together with a large spoon until everything is well coated.
- Cut the grilling foil into 4 12X12" squares. Place 2 cups of the shrimp mixture in the center of the grilling foil.
- Grab two parallel edges of the foil and clamp it to seal the edges. Grad the unsealed edges and roll them until it meets the shrimp mixture in the center. Do this to the other unsealed edge.
- Place the foil packets on the grill and cook for 15 minutes. Flip the packets and continue cooking for 7 more minutes. Remove the packets from the grill, then uncover and top with parsley and wedges of lemon. Mangia!
Notes
How to make shrimp boil foil packets in the oven
- Follow the same instructions above. Prepare the ingredients, toss them in a large bowl with the Cajun sauce, then place the mixture in foil packets. Wrap the foil packets, then place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the shrimp boil foil packets in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates, for exact values consult a nutritionist.
