A pescatarian is someone who adds fish and seafood to a vegetarian diet. Some pescatarians may eat eggs and dairy, while others may not.
There are many reasons people choose to forgo red meat and poultry, but still eat fish.
Some people choose to add fish to a vegetarian diet so they can get the health benefits of a plant-based diet plus heart-healthy fish.
Others might be trying to curb the environmental impact of their diet. For some, it might be simply a matter of taste.
This article explains more about the benefits and drawbacks of a pescatarian diet, including exactly what a pescatarian does and doesn’t eat.
“Pescatori” is Italian for “fishermen,” and pasta pescatori (or pasta pescatore) is an Italian pasta dish with a tomato sauce and an assortment of seafood.
What Is a Pescatarian?
Most simply, a pescatarian is someone who doesn’t eat red meat or poultry, but does eat fish and other seafood.
The term pescatarian was coined in the early 1990s and is a combination of the Italian word for fish, “pesce,” and the word “vegetarian.” Sometimes it’s spelled “pescetarian,” but this means the same thing.
In scientific literature, this diet is often described as “pesco-vegetarian,” and is lumped into the spectrum of vegetarianism (1).
By that definition, a pescatarian is someone who chooses to eat a vegetarian diet, but who also eats fish and other seafood.
It’s a largely plant-based diet of whole grains, nuts, legumes, produce and healthy fats, with seafood playing a key role as a main protein source.
Many pescatarians also eat dairy and eggs.
Of course, just as vegetarian diets can vary widely, so can pescatarian ones. It’s possible to eat a meat-free diet that’s full of processed starches, junk food and fish sticks, rather than a healthier one based on whole foods.
Benefits of Adding Fish to a Vegetarian Diet
There are many health benefits of adding fish to a vegetarian diet.
Many people are concerned that completely excluding animal products or avoiding animal flesh could lead to a low intake of certain key nutrients (10, 11, 12).
In particular, vitamins B12, zinc, calcium and protein can be somewhat harder to get on a vegan diet (11, 13).
Adding seafood, including fish, crustaceans and mollusks, to a vegetarian diet can provide beneficial nutrients and variety.
Fish is the best way to get omega-3 fatty acids (14).
Some plant foods, including walnuts and flaxseeds, contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fat. However, this type of ALA is not easily converted to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the body (15, 16).
DHA and EPA have additional health benefits, helping not just the heart, but also brain function and mood (17).
In contrast, oily fish, such as salmon and sardines, contains EPA and DHA.
SEAFOOD SPAGHETTI (PASTA PESCATORE STYLE) – theitaliancookingclass.com
FAQ
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What is pasta Pescatore?
Sharing is caring! Pasta Pescatore, also known as Fisherman’s Pasta, is a classic Italian dish that has been delighting seafood lovers for generations. This dish is an excellent combination of juicy and succulent seafood with a rich tomato sauce that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
How to make linguine pasta Pescatore?
This seafood pasta pescatore recipe features linguine in a tomato based sauce with shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams, and calamari! First, let’s make the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Then, add the anchovies, garlic, and scallions.
How do I save a Pescatore recipe?
Alternatively, you can save the recipe by clicking on the floating heart icon on the right-hand side of the screen. This easy pasta pescatore recipe is a classic seafood pasta dish made with prawns, calamari rings, squid and mussels in a tangy tomato sauce, with my secret ingredient for extra oomph! Ready in less than half an hour.
How long does it take to make pasta Pescatore?
This easy pasta pescatore recipe is a classic seafood pasta dish made with prawns, calamari rings, squid and mussels in a tangy tomato sauce, with my secret ingredient for extra oomph! Ready in less than half an hour. Why not bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen tonight? **As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.**