Delicious food ideas for a sustainable and 'No Waste' Christmas...
We all know Australians love to cook seafood for Christmas lunch or dinner. Instead of having a Turkey on the table, Prawns, Fish and Calamaris are an Australian tradition.
This year, if you will be serving seafood, research the seafood you have chosen and make sure it is the most sustainable choice. We have highlighted some sustainable seafood options below, and also ones you should avoid!
I am giving away BIG secret for you all this Christmas, it's a recipe that's been in my family for a long time and the perfect seafood dish to serve this Christmas - My Dad's Paella. It's authentic and delicious, he learned it from a true Spaniard and it can really feed a crowd (just make sure you have a large pan to cook it in). It's a great choice if you have a large family and extended family who will be joining you on Christmas day. Serve it with seasonal salads and side dishes for a Christmas feast to remember. It's even more delicious when the leftovers are heated up the next day, so tell people to bring containers to take some home with them. You don't want any food to go to waste (that's if there's any left in the first place).
Enjoy this family favourite of mine!
Firstly, try to get your hands on these seafood types:
Or if you can't get the above , these are also better options:
Say no to these fish for various reasons such as overfishing and they way they are fished or farmed:
My Dad's Paella:
12 Mussels in Shells , sustainable choice 12 Whole Green Prawns, sustainable choice 250 g Calamari, sustainable choice 300 g White fish cut into chunks, sustainable choice 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (legs, bones, wings, chest etc) 1 cup Peas 1 Red Capsicum, diced 1 large or 2 small Onions (white or brown), diced Green Olives unpitted 4 cups Aborio or short grain rice Yellow food colouring or saffron Water
Directions:
- 1. Cook chicken in the pan with olive oil until it starts to get golden brown - 5 minutes
- 2. Add onion and capsicum until tender - 5 to 10 minutes
- 3. Add calamari and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes
- 4. Add rice making sure to spread it evenly around the pan, then add water until all the rice is just covered with water. Don't mix the dish now.
- 5. Add saffron or a few drops of food colouring, peas and a handful of olives. Reduce the heat to simmer and cook for another 10 minutes.
- 6. Add the mussels, tucking them into the rice. Followed by the fish bits. Simmer for another 5 to 8 minute
- 7. Finally add the prawns making sure they are tucked into the liquid and rice. Simmer for another 5 minutes or until all the mussels have opened.
- 8. Remove from the heat and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serves 6 - 8
More information about better seafood choices here - www.sustainableseafood.org.au