Even the Lithuanian nobility tasted Christmas Eve: a historical recipe

Christmas table from the 19th century. radiated modesty

Marius Daraškevičius, a researcher of manor heritage, says that in the 19th century. Christmas Eve was considered the culmination of the year. On that day the dry fast was strictly observed, the dinner radiated serenity, and family members who had left Anapilin were kindly remembered.

“Not only did a noble family sit at the Christmas table in grand mansions, but those without it felt lonely. Usually it was several dozen people from different backgrounds and financial backgrounds. The seriousness , understanding and sharing were considered the values ​​of this celebration ”, explains the researcher of the heritage of the manor.

Aesthetics of the festive table in the 19th century. there was no luxury, there was no collectible silver or porcelain in it. However, according to M. Daraškevičius, a separate table was sometimes prepared on Christmas Eve, where only the family of knights could sit, having previously fulfilled the functions of the owners of the mansions and accommodated with the festival guests. Such a table could already be covered with expensive utensils or silverware inherited from previous generations.

Christmas Eve dinner was modest even in wealthy mansions. With the exception of spices, herring, dried fruits or walnuts, it used to serve the delicacies of the mansion of orchards, orchards, forests and fields. Hot fish, borscht, meatballs, meatballs, compote, kisses, kvass and wine were also served at the table. M. Daraškevičius says that similar dishes, which can be found on the Christmas table today, were tasted not only by the nobility, but also by the counts, because this celebration was not intended for pride.

Historical Christmas recipe

The restaurant “Kuchmistrai”, housed in the former kitchen of the Zypliai mansion, appreciating the historical culture and gastronomic heritage of the mansions, gives special meaning to the traditions of Lithuanian cuisine and constantly encourages foodies to move to the nineteenth century. and know the gourmet dishes of our ancestors.

As Christmas dinner is an integral part of Lithuanian cultural heritage, the chef-chef of the restaurant has prepared an exclusive festive menu for this evening. In it, foodies will discover not only modern dishes filled with the spirit of manor, such as the salmon terrine with pistachios or the herring smoked in hay, but also all their favorite traditional dishes, such as Christmas Eve.

The restaurant’s chef shares a special Christmas recipe, which will help bring some flavors of the old Lithuanian traditions to Christmas, which is mixed with a pandemic.