ITALIAN CHRISTMAS FISH RECIPE: PESCE SPADA ALLA GHIOTTA

Among Sicily’s most beloved fish dishes, Pesce Spada alla Ghiotta is also one of the recipes many families prepare for Christmas Eve.

Swordfish gently simmers with tomatoes, olives and capers, creating a simple yet deeply flavorful dish that captures the essence of Southern Italian cooking.

Italian Christmas fish recipes for Christmas Eve
Italian Christmas fish recipes

CHRISTMAS EVE FISH DINNER

In Italy, Christmas Eve is traditionally a meatless meal.

From North to South, families gather around tables filled with seafood, preparing regional dishes that have been passed down through generations.

Every region has its own traditions.

In Sicily, one of the most beloved is Pesce Spada alla Ghiotta.

 

PESCESPADA ALLA GHIOTTA

Pesce Spada alla Ghiotta comes from Messina, the Sicilian city separated from Calabria by the narrow Strait of Messina.

It’s therefore no surprise that this dish is equally loved on both shores.

Tender swordfish, tomatoes, olives and capers come together in a sauce that’s simple, fresh and intensely Mediterranean.

It’s one of my favorite Italian fish recipes.

A PERFECT CHRISTMAS EVE MAIN COURSE

One of the reasons this recipe is so popular during the holidays is that much of the preparation can be done ahead of time.

Grill the swordfish, prepare the sauce, then simply bring everything together a few minutes before serving.

Perfect when the Christmas table is full of family—and distractions.

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Pesce spada alla ghiotta

Course Italian fish recipes
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Author Claudia Rinaldi | Gourmet Project

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly dice the onion.

  2. Bring a small pot of water to boil and blanch the celery stalk (leave leaves) for less than a minute.

  3. Remove it and thinly slice it.
  4. Use a fork to smash the tomatoes.

  5. Brush one tablespoon of olive oil over a grilling pan. Heat the pan a few minutes and grill the swordfish fillets for about 2 minutes per side.

  6. Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet, add and brown the onion.

  7. Add the celery, olives, and capers and, sauté for a few minutes.

  8. Add the tomatoes and swordfish fillets, reduce to low heat, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. If needed, add a little water.

  9. Serve the fish hot with all the cooking liquids poured over it.

Enjoy your Italian Christmas fish recipe!

Claudia