March 7th is Tartar Sauce Day #NationalTartarSauceDayI don’t know about your family but in ours we very seldom use #TartarSauce even though we do eat Fish. Infact this evening for dinner I had mentioned to David I was going to make a pot of Pinto Beans and Fried Potatoes and Salmon Patties for me.
David and Charlie both said they were not going to eat the #SalmonPatties and would make themselves a Hamburger Patty to go with the Pinto Beans and Fried Potatoes. Since I’m the only one eating the Salmon Patties I think I will have them with no, Sauce unless I use Ketchup.
Would you want to join us for dinner this evening? If so let me know if you want a Salmon Patty or if you want a hamburger Patty with David and Charlie and why. Don’t worry I am going to have David make me a Hamburger Patty to so I have lunch tomorrow even though I may have leftover Salmon Patties.
National Tartar Sauce Day is celebrated on the Friday after Lent, on March 7 this year. Tartar Sauce Day aims to bring attention to the scrumptious Sauce that can add a distinct flavor to every food item. Admit it, since Meat can’t be consumed after Lent and Seafood is the only option left with people, Tartar Sauce becomes an essential item in every household.
Tartar Sauce is used on Seafood, and makes a great dish during this period as Lent approaches. Since Meat is not allowed, we enjoy Fish and other Seafood more with a bowl of creamy Tartar Sauce. The deliciousness never ends, whether we can eat Meat or not.
Hence, of course Tartar Sauce deserves a special day of its own where its contribution to the world of cuisine can be honored. Plus, Tartar Sauce Day is a delight for any foodie who loves to add a little relish to their dinner menu. So lets gets the celebrations started!
Did you know the real origin of Tartar Sauce remains unclear. Some say that Tartar Sauce has been in existence since the Roman era, while others insist that Tartar Sauce originated from France. A few maintain that the French evolved the condiment. The current Tartar Sauce originated in France as Sauce Tartare. It is spelled as ‘Tartare Sauce’ in some parts of Europe, South Africa, and Australia.
Tartar Sauce is mainly made from Mayonnaise with Pickles, Capers, Herbs, and in some recipes, hard-boiled Eggs or Lemon Juice. The recipe for Tartar Sauce differ in different places to accommodate individual tastes and preferences.
The Sauce is made as a condiment to be enjoyed with Seafood. The best Seafood choices are Cod, Salmon, Haddock, Shrimp, and Pollack. Tartar Sauce became commercially available in the 1920s, making Tartar Sauce easier to get Tartar Sauce at grocery stores, rather than making Tartar Sauce from scratch.
The National Tartar Sauce Day that takes place every Friday after Lent starts, has a cultural and religious link to food. This is because as a large amount of people switch to consuming Fish, the distinct flavor of the Sauce becomes a necessity. Seeing how the limitation on food items to be consumed can have an impact on the eating habits of people, National Tartar Sauce Day came into being.
National Tartar Sauce Day was founded by Frisch’s Big Boy in 2017 to pay tribute to the Sauce that becomes a must have item on a yearly basis. However, Frisch’s relationship with Tartar Sauce is a story on its own.
The first Frisch’s Cafe was opened up in Cincinnati in 1923, and was taken over by the original owner’s son, Dave Frisch, in 1923. This is when Dave started experimenting with food and ended up adding his homemade Tartar sSauce to the Big Boy Sandwich.
From thereon, the special Sauce by Dave became a hit and went on to be sold in stores in the 1960s. Since then Tartar Sauce led to the instant success of the eatery, and it is no wonder Dave Frisch decided to create a day especially for Tartar Sauce! Is it?
National Tartar Sauce Day is celebrated at a time when the condiment is in high demand during this period as Seafood becomes the choicest food item of the Season. Lent is the period of fasting and abstinence from Beef and Chicken. For those who are not really fans of Fish, Tartar Sauce is the best for enjoying Fish and Seafood with its creaminess and zingy taste.
Of course before Tartar Sauce was discovered, people resorted to other Sauces to add flavor to food items. For instance, in the Middle Ages, Mustard was very famous. The ingredients for Mustard too, were later amended to make it more commercial. In the 16th, 17th, and 18th Centuries, several other Sauces were invented including Pesto Sauce, Chutney, Soy Sauce, and Ketchup!
Did you know Tartar Sauce is also enjoyed with Pita Bread, Chips, and Roasted Veggies. We celebrate National Tartar Sauce Day with lots of Seafood and enjoy it with the Tartar Sauce. If you don’t like Fish at all, you can enjoy Tartar Sauce with Vegetables.
How to Celebrate National Tartar Sauce Day
- There’s no better way to celebrate National Tartar Sauce Day than by making your own Tartar Sauce to enjoy with the Seafood of your choice. It’s even fun to create your own recipe or host a Tartar-Sauce-making contest with your loved ones.
- Ordering in or eating out is the best way to try fine Tartar Sauces served at eateries or restaurants.
- To celebrate National Tartar Sauce Day, hold a Sauce competition with close friends where everyone can create and present their version of Tartar Sauce.
Facts About Tartar Sauce:
- Did you know there are 59 calories in two-tablespoons of Tartar Sauce? That’s a whole lotta calories isn’t it?
- Tartar Sauce is said to be high in fat. which means it wouldn’t be good for me and my diet.
- Since Tartar Sauce has Vitamin K, it helps strengthen bones.
- The Vitamin K in Tartar Sauce is beneficial for cardiovascular health.
- Once Tartar Sauce is opened, refrigerate the Tartar Sauce and it will stay fresh for two months.
Why People Love National Tartar Sauce Day
- People may not be French, but they love the edible Fish species and its neighbors under the Sea.
- The savory taste, creaminess, and little tartness make Tartar Sauce the best choice for all Seafood.
- There are tons of brands that sell Tartar Sauce in the market. Because of this special day, sales of these brands increase. This is also beneficial for small business owners.
Recipe for Tartar Sauce
Ingredients for Tartar Sauce
Onion – it’s 2 Tbsp of chopped onion, and it’s optional (I usually skip it when I’m feeling lazy to chop an onion).
Real Mayonnaise – you can use your favorite storebought Mayo
Dill pickles – I prefer baby dills for extra crunch since they have more surface area.
Dill (or) Parsley – you can use fresh or frozen – it adds freshness.
1 tsp lemon juice – freshly squeezed is best
1 tsp sugar – this balances the sauce, but you can add it to taste
Pepper – freshly cracked smells and tastes the freshest
Mix everything into a bowl your done.
It’s time to eat.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
