Karp Smażony

Poland

Also known as Fried Carp

About Karp Smażony

Karp Smażony is Polish fried carp, the centerpiece of Wigilia, the traditional Christmas Eve supper. Slices of carp are dusted in flour, dipped in egg and breadcrumbs and fried until golden, then served with a wedge of lemon.

Wigilia is a meatless meal, traditionally with twelve dishes, and carp has been the star fish since the 20th century. Many Polish families used to buy a live carp a few days before Christmas and keep it in the bathtub until it was cooked.

Some people keep a carp scale in their wallet after the meal, a custom said to bring money in the coming year. Fried carp is served alongside beetroot soup (barszcz) with little dumplings, pierogi with cabbage and mushrooms, and herring.

Ingredients

• carp
• flour
• eggs
• breadcrumbs
• oil
• lemon
• salt