Christmas Fried Carp with Potato Salad: Czech Recipe

A traditional Czech recipe for Christmas Eve dinner, which my family and I enjoy every year during the holiday season. I understand that this Czech recipe may not appeal to everyone, as Christmas traditions vary widely in each country. However, if you’re interested in trying carp or another similar fish with potato salad, don’t hesitate to give it a go. Additionally, you can prepare this traditional dish at any other time outside of the Christmas season. For added variety, in the Czech Republic, chicken schnitzel or salmon with potato salad is also commonly prepared because not everyone enjoys fish, either due to its distinctive taste or concerns about bones. Alright, enough talk—let’s move on to making the potato salad. We’ll let it cool and then proceed to fry the common carp fillet.

Recipe

Ingredients in this recipe

For the Traditional Potato Salad

• 1 kg of boiled potatoes suitable for salads
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 4 pickles, cut into small pieces
• 200 ml of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons of mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

For the Fried Carp

• 4 carp fillets
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Plain flour for coating
• 2 eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Rosemary for aromatic flavor
• Fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish
• Pressed garlic and salt (optional for a garlic-infused version)

Step-by-step instructions

Potato Salad

Step 1

• Boil the potatoes in their skins, let them cool, and peel them. Cut them into smaller cubes. Some people, like my grandmother, prefer to cook the potatoes a day before.

Step 2

• Finely chop the onion and cut the pickles into small pieces.

Step 3

• In a large bowl, mix the boiled potatoes, chopped onion, and chopped cucumbers.

Step 4

• Add mayonnaise, mustard, and mix well, preferably with your hands.

Step 5

• Season with salt and pepper. Optionally, add a little sour juice from the pickles for a refreshing taste.

Step 6

• Cover the finished potato salad with cling film and let it rest in the fridge for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight for the flavors to combine.

Step 7

• Before serving, garnish the potato salad with chopped fresh parsley.

Fried Carp

Step 1

• Salt and, if desired, pepper the carp fillets.

Step 2

• For a garlic-infused version, press garlic cloves, mix with salt, and rub onto the carp. Wrap in foil and marinate, preferably overnight.

Step 3

• Prepare three bowls: one with plain flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.

Step 4

• Coat the carp fillets first in flour, then in eggs, and finally in breadcrumbs to create a crispy coating.

Step 5

• Fry the carp fillets in hot oil until golden on both sides. Add rosemary for an aromatic touch.

Step 6

• Drain the fried carp on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Step 7

• Serve the fried carp with prepared potato salad and garnished with lemon slices.

This traditional Czech dish is commonly enjoyed during the Christmas holidays and is a popular choice for Christmas dinner. However, you can savor this recipe at any time of the year.

I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this recipe. I’d especially appreciate the opinions of those who find this Christmas dish exotic, considering your own traditions and backgrounds. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, including details about your Christmas Eve dinner and any other traditions related to delicious food and drinks during the festive season. I’m looking forward to it!