Christmas Eve is simply a unique time which in Polish tradition is associated with a rich culinary offer. Though most frequently on the Christmas table appears 12 dishesNot everyone knows why. The Tradition of 12 Christmas Gifts It has deep symbolism, but it is not always a necessity. It is so worth to know both the past of this customized and the Most popular Christmas foodwhich reign on Polish tables.
Why 12 dishes for Christmas Eve?
By tradition, 12 Christmas Meals symbolizes 12 Apostles. This number is besides to mention to the fullness of life, abundance and fulfillment. In Polish homes, this number is frequently met as mandatory, but it is worth knowing that it is not a hard rule. So if tradition counts 12 dishes, it may as well be on a smaller number, especially depending on the number of guests or culinary tastes.
Traditional Christmas food – list
Although many different dishes may appear on the Christmas table, any are peculiarly characteristic of the Polish tradition. Here's the list 12 conventional Christmas disheswhich are most frequently hosted on Polish tables:
- Red borscht with ears A classical that can't miss. Soup prepared on the basis of red beets, served with ears filled with mushrooms.
- Mushroom soup – aromatic soup on mushrooms, frequently with the addition of potatoes and pasta. Mushroom soup is simply a popular dish in many Polish homes, especially in the east of the country.
- Fried carp – Christmas Eve symbol in many families. The carp in the pan or fried without addition is simply a dish that reigns on many tables in Poland.
- Karp in the Gallaret – alternate to fried carp. The carp prepared in reed and flooded with jelly is 1 of the classical Christmas dishes.
- Herring in oil or cream – herring is an integral part of Christmas dinner. Prepared in various ways, most frequently in oil or in cream, frequently with onions and spices.
- dumplings with cabbage and mushrooms – dumplings is 1 of the most crucial dishes on the Christmas table. In the Christmas version, most frequently stuffed with cabbage and mushrooms, although there may besides be another stuffings, specified as potatoes or Christmas stuffings with peas.
- Kutia – conventional Christmas dessert, prepared from wheat, poppy, honey, nuts and cauliflowers. It is simply a dish that comes from east Poland, but is popular throughout the country.
- Dry compote – a drink prepared from dried fruit, which aims to clear the body after a rich dinner.
- Vegetable salad – classical salad made of cooked vegetables, peas, mayonnaise and sometimes eggs. It is 1 of the most frequent Christmas Eves.
- Potatoes with dill – a simple but frequently essential dish, which is an excellent complement to fish dishes. Potatoes prepared with dill are classical Christmas dinner.
- Mushrooms – cake filled with mushroom stuffing, which can be served hot or cold. Pastries are frequently served next to the borscht.
- Mackerel – 1 of the most popular Christmas cakes. Makowiec is simply a yeast cake with a poppy, cauliflower and honey filling, which is simply a symbol of abundance.
Christmas food in various regions of Poland
Although the above mentioned dishes are most frequently found throughout the country, it is worth noting that in various parts of Poland Christmas dinner may look a bit different. For example, Silesia frequently appear noodles with poppy, whereas Małopolska popular fish soups. In the Podkarpackie regions, Christmas dinner frequently consists of more meat dishes and in Eastern Poland on the table must not miss blueberry with ears.
Is 12 dishes a necessity?
Come on. 12 Christmas Meals is simply a mandatory component of Christmas for many Poles, not all household adheres to this principle. This frequently depends on the number of guests, available products or individual preferences. In many homes you can meet less dishes, especially erstwhile tradition is not so rigidly followed.
Today's Christmas tables are becoming more and more diverse, and the number of dishes may besides depend on diet – vegetarian, vegan, or even gluten-free foods are increasingly appearing on them. Christmas Tradition remains in the heart of Poles, however, and 12 dishes is inactive the most common number, which is symbolic for holiday atmosphere.
Continued here:
12 Christmas dishes – list and recipes. Must there be 12 dishes on Christmas Eve?