How The Tradition Of Fried Fish And Spaghetti Made Its Way From The Deep South To The Midwest - Tasting Table

Fried fish and spaghetti became a regional meal in the Midwest and Deep South, especially in the Mississippi Delta. The pairing reflects Italian immigrants moving through the Delta and meeting descendants of West African slaves. The combination formed as a response to what ingredients were available and how different groups blended in the cultural melting pot. Fried fish connected to Southern weekend fish frys and to Italian Catholics who ate fish on Fridays, since Catholic practice treats fish as acceptable on meatless days. Spaghetti also fit because it was inexpensive, filling, and easy to prepare in large quantities, making it practical for communities and gatherings.

"“Fried fish and spaghetti is the delicious convergence of Italian immigrants migrating through the Mississippi Delta, meeting the descendants of West African slaves,” Booker explains. Like many other dishes that fit under the “American food” designation, the combination of fried fish and spaghetti was a response to both what was available and the blending of different groups in the cultural melting pot. “These dishes became a regional staple as the fried fish spoke to both the Southern tradition of weekend fish frys and Italian Catholics having fish on Fridays,” Bookers reveals."

"“Fried fish and spaghetti spoke in different ways to different cultures prominent in the Mississippi Delta. Due to the Catholic practices of many Italian immigrants, Fridays were a day to abstain from meat - and according to the Catholic Church, fish is not meat.”"

"“As for the spaghetti, she puts the starchy side down not just to the Italian influence, but also the fact that it's inexpensive, filling, and easy to prepare in large quantities.”"

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