What is a traditional Christmas Eve dinner for Italians?
In Italy, Christmas Eve dinner is traditionally lighter with no meat and a lot of seafood, while the Italian-American meal has evolved into much more of a feast. Bring on the sword fish, tuna, salmon, octopus salad, smelts, calamari, spaghetti with clam sauce and the famous Italian classic—salted cod, known as baccalà.
Do Italians eat bacalao?
Salted Cod in Italy In Veneto, baccalà is considered a real delicacy. Beloved regional recipes include Baccalà alla Vicentina (slowly braised with onions, anchovies and milk) and Baccalà Mantecato (an elaborate preparation with extra virgin olive oil, lemon and parsley), which are always served with polenta.
What is an Italian 7 fish dinner?
This traditional Italian Christmas dinner includes at least seven different types of seafood. You’ll find delicious versions of baccalà, clams casino, shrimp pasta, fried squid, bagna cauda, a variety of seafood stews, and more.
Can I use cod instead of salted cod?
Just two ingredients are needed – cod fillets (preferably with skin on) and enough coarse sea salt to evenly cover the flesh. 500g of fresh cod will give you the equivalent of 250-285g de-salted, soaked Bacalao (salt cod).
Does baccala need to be refrigerated?
Old timers will say that it does not need to be refrigerated, but the general consensus is to keep the cod-filled bowl cold. After the fillets have been soaked and drained, the fish should feel soft and pliable, with only a taste of brininess. For cod cakes, fritters and purees, poach the fish before using.
Why is cod fish so salty?
Cod fish was salted to preserve the fish and make sure that the fisherman could have the food they needed for many months at sea. Salt has strong antibacterials properties which allows the fish to be stored for long periods of time, even at warm temperatures.
Is salt cod healthy?
Cod is both a nutritious and flavorful fish loaded with lean protein, vitamins, and minerals. Although lower in omega-3s than fatty fish, cod can still be part of a healthy diet. Cod contains less mercury than some seafood, including popular fish like tuna, and can be prepared in multiple ways.
Do Sicilians eat eel at Christmas?
In the Golden Girls episode “Have Yourself a Very Little Christmas” Sophia mentions that fried eel is a customary Christmas tradition in many Italian (Sicilian) households.