National Bouillabaisse Day

Introduction

Where are the seafood fans? For them, December 14th is the perfect day for celebrations. Cause it's the National Bouillabaisse Day, a day to enjoy seafood! On this day, seafood enthusiasts and culinary adventurers celebrate the iconic dish, bouillabaisse. 

Bouillabaisse is a fish stew or soup dish that blends the fresh flavors of the sea with delicious spices, making it a timeless favorite. Its chief components are fish, including eel and shellfish, vegetables, aromatic herbs, spices, and broth. 

Anyway, let's find out how National Bouillabaisse Day is celebrated and its history! 

Key Takeaways

• National Bouillabaisse Day is celebrated to encourage preparing and enjoying the traditional fish stew called bouillabaisse.

• Although it is now known as a French dish, it was originally made in ancient Greece. 

• Bouillabaisse is considered a modest meal for fishermen and is usually prepared with fresh seafood.

• You can make this delicious comfort food yourself or try it out in a local delicacy on National Bouillabaisse Day.

What Is National Bouillabaisse Day About?

National Bouillabaisse Day was made to celebrate the traditional Bouillabaisse dish from Marseille and to encourage people to try making it at home. Bouillabaisse is a tasty fish stew or soup dish. It was traditionally made using bony rockfish and fennel seeds. 

Various herbs and spices, such as garlic, orange peel, basil, saffron, and bay leaves, are used to make bouillabaisse. The freshness of fish is an important ingredient in this stew. Nevertheless, the elements may vary by cook and state. It is usually made by boiling numerous species of fish with herbs and vegetables. 

The broth is then served as a soup poured over seasoned bread with a spicy French mayonnaise, known as rouille, and the fish and vegetables are served separately. Nowadays, Bouillabaisse has become a must-try cuisine, symbolizing the amusing fresh flavors of the Mediterranean.

A Brief History Of National Bouillabaisse Day

The French are famous for their many amazing culinary recipes. Bouillabaisse tops the list of French foods. But this dish actually originated in Ancient Greece, where the city of Marseille was founded in 600 BC. 

It started as a simple fishermen’s dish and has become a classic part of Marseille’s cuisine.

The word "Bouillabaisse" comes from two Provençal verbs: bolhir, meaning "to boil," and abaissar, meaning "to lower the heat" or "simmer." It is named so because when making it, the broth is first boiled, and then different types of fish are added one at a time, with the heat being reduced to a rumble if it begins to boil.

This dish was originally crafted by fishermen of Marseille using unconventional ingredients such as the rockfish, which they couldn't sell at the market. Traditionally, fishes like sea robin and European conger were used too. In addition to them, shellfish, mussels, and sea urchins, other kinds of fish were occasionally included.

Over time, it changed into a mark dish of Provencal cuisine, enjoyed by people worldwide. 

Traditional Bouillabaisse generally includes at least three categories of fish, including:

• Sea robin

• Red rascasse and

• European conger

It is generally made with fresh seafood. Historically, bouillabaisse is considered a modest meal for fishermen. 

The knowledge we gain from the history of Bouillabaisse as a dish born out of essential reflects the originality of the Marseille people and their capacity to build culinary wonders from humble origins.

When Is National Bouillabaisse Day?

Each year, National Bouillabaisse Day is observed on December 14. 

You will be surprised to know, this dish has inspired not only chefs but also food lovers worldwide. Now, let's see the dates for celebrating National Bouillabaisse Day until 2028.

National Bouillabaisse Day Dates

How Can You Celebrate National Bouillabaisse Day?

National Bouillabaisse Day is an occasion to enjoy this flavorful dish and discover the cooking traditions of southern France.

It's a great time to enjoy the rich flavors and history of this classic stew, whether you're cooking at home or dining out. Here are the things you can do on National Bouillabaisse Day.

• Find a great recipe: Look for a bouillabaisse recipe with Mediterranean fish like rockfish, saffron, scorpionfish, mussels, garlic, and fennel for the authentic touch.
• Visit a seafood restaurant: Try a delicious, decadent bouillabaisse at a seafood restaurant and enjoy the classic flavors.
• Throw a seafood-themed dinner party: Celebrate by hosting a dinner with bouillabaisse and other seafood favorites.
• Explore different bouillabaisse versions: Get creative and experiment with different variations of the dish. In addition to rockfish, add shrimp or chicken to your bouillabaisse for variety.
• Cook together as a family: Gather everyone in the kitchen to make bouillabaisse as a team.
• Try other French seafood dishes: Pair bouillabaisse with other classic French dishes like Lobster Thermidor, Plateau de fruits de mer, etc.
• Enjoy a family meal: Sit down with the whole family and enjoy the comforting flavors of bouillabaisse stew.
• Learn the myth and history of Bouillabaisse: Bouillabaisse has a fascinating history that traces back to ancient Greece, where a similar dish was first created. The story takes an interesting turn in Roman mythology, where a dish like bouillabaisse is said to have been served by Venus to Vulcan. Learn about this myth of bouillabaisse!

Bottom Line

National Bouillabaisse Day is special for seafood fans. So, celebrate National Bouillabaisse Day by whipping up your own delicious Bouillabaisse stew—your family will love savoring this classic dish together!