Avoid the fishy smell this Christmas Eve. easy tricks to enjoy a fragrant home while cooking carp

Although not everyone is fond of carp, fried carp belly is part of the tradition in many regions of the world. But how can you manage to prepare fish dishes without filling your apartment with a fishy smell just before Christmas Eve dinner? Here are some wise suggestions on how to deal with this less-than-appetizing problem using home methods.

The odor of fish may not be pleasant and can indeed be tough to eliminate. It's beneficial to start acting even before the fish is put into the frying pan to minimize it. Before cooking, clean the fish thoroughly and soak it in milk for at least half an hour. The milk not only tenderizes the meat but also helps remove the muddy taste, absorbing some unpleasant odor. In addition to the carp, you should also fry a few slices of raw potato in the pan, which will have a similar effect.

If you have a kitchen hood, switch it on when you start frying the fish, and keep it on for at least another fifteen minutes after you have finished cooking. Finally, ensure you ventilate your entire apartment thoroughly - simply airing out the kitchen won't suffice as the aroma of cooked fish spreads quickly throughout the home.

Christmas Eve is an ideal time to experiment with diverse scents that stir up the holiday spirit, all while helping to subdue the unwanted fish smell. Try lighting some scented candles around your home - they'll mask the smell and also lend a delightful ambiance to your rooms. Another nice idea is to bake some ready-made cookies or gingerbread. The potent aroma of these spices will efficiently topple any lingering scent of the carp. Moreover, preparing a winter infusion is another great trick.

For this, boil a large pot of water with slices of lemon and orange, adding spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon. You can also toss in loose-leaf tea. This way, you'll eradicate the fish smell and fill your home with a fragrant tea aroma that welcomes your guests.