Greek Orthodox Fasting (Lenten) Recipes
Greek Orthodox faithful observe several major and minor fasting periods throughout the year, including the Easter Lenten season. Meat (and products derived from meat), fish with backbones, dairy products, olive oil, and wine are not eaten. (Vegetable margarine, shortening, and oils are permitted.)
It is possible to eat fabulous Greek sweets during Lent and other periods of "fasting" (as it's called in Greek) while keeping with the Greek Orthodox dietary restrictions, and these recipes are just a few of the many choices that prove it.
Greek Orthodox dietary restrictions during Lent and at other times prohibit eating foods that contain or are derived from red blooded animals, which means no meat, no fish, no dairy products. But that doesn't mean that foods are bland or tasteless. These favorite Greek dishes are delicious!
One of the fabulous Greek "peasant" dishes, this recipe for basic baked cornbread is made without milk, eggs, or butter.
These small fried puffs of dough fall somewhere between a pancake and a fritter. A very simple recipe that makes up a good-sized batch of light and airy treats for a delicious breakfast, brunch, or snack food.
Halvas can be made in many different ways, and this version is made with honey, nuts, raisins, and the tastes of cinnamon and cloves, for a wonderful dessert.
Lagana is eaten once a year, on Clean Monday, the first day of Lent when Greek families head out for picnics and kite-flying.
Sugared almond cookies - delightful shortbread-type cookies coated with confectioner's sugar - are a year-round treat and favorites at holidays. This recipe has been adapted to meet Greek Lenten requirements and contains no eggs, milk, or butter.
Many versions of halvas (semolina pudding) call for walnuts or a mixture containing walnuts. This version calls for almonds and raisins - and the result is a slightly less tart dessert, delightful topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
This is a delightful version of baklava made with sesame seeds, and a Christmas Eve tradition in many Greek homes. Layers of phyllo dough sprinkled with sesame seeds. No nuts. No butter.
This is the version without cheese, and the combination of spinach, herbs, and phyllo creates a delightful dish. (
Spanakotyropita is the version with cheese.)
Tahini soup can be made in many ways, and this is the simplest version - a specialty of the island of Syros. Tahini soup is a traditional dish on Friday of Holy Week.
