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.
Keep in mind that dairy-free whipped cream, egg substitutes, and (if you live somewhere where you can find it) vegetable-based cream (like Hopla) can be used. Although some packaged puff pastry is made with butter, there are some brands that are not.
Listed alphabetically. Click on photos for larger images.
Keep in mind that dairy-free whipped cream, egg substitutes, and (if you live somewhere where you can find it) vegetable-based cream (like Hopla) can be used. Although some packaged puff pastry is made with butter, there are some brands that are not.
Listed alphabetically. Click on photos for larger images.
1. Baklava with Almonds & Walnuts (made with olive oil)
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Baklava is the most famous of the Greek pastries, and every area of Greece - and sometimes every family within a region - has a favorite recipe. Enjoy this favorite of mine, made with walnuts and almonds, olive oil, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. Grape Molasses Spice Cake - Petimezopita
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
The recipe for petimezi, a molasses-like syrup made with grapes, dates back to the Bronze Age. Petimezi can also be made from commercial grape must, or may be available in Greek or Middle Eastern markets, sold as "grape molasses" or "grape must syrup." It gives a unique flavor to this spice cake which tastes like a cross between carrot cake and gingerbread.
3. Halvas (Semolina Pudding) with Raisins & Nuts
Photo © Jim Stanfield
Halvas made with semolina, nuts, raisins, and cinnamon is a delightful, grainy textured dessert, and one of the more famous Greek sweets. This version is cooked on the stove, placed in a mold to shape, and served at room temperature.
More Greek Halvas Recipes:
More Greek Halvas Recipes:
4. Lenten Sugared Almond Cookies - Kourabiethes Nistisimes
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Adapting recipes to meet Greek dietary restrictions during Lent and other times of fasting doesn't mean giving up taste and texture. And it doesn't mean not eating delicious foods. Kourabiethes, sugared shortbread cookies, are favorites at the holidays made with butter and eggs, and this dairy-free, egg-free version is a lovely Lenten alternative.
5. Medallion Dessert Pancakes - Tiganites
Photo © Jim Stanfield
Similar to small pancakes, these light, crispy medallion-sized treats are a delight served with honey or petimezi (grape molasses)... or with maple syrup, fruit preserves, or a creative topping of your own design. They can be eaten as a sweet snack or dessert.
6. Orange Peel Spoon Sweet - Glyko Portokalaki
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com
Traditional Greek spoon sweets generally meet Lenten guidelines, and this is one of my favorites. In Greece, I often make this differently - using long pieces of orange peel, coiling them and securing with thread - but this simplified version is equally delicious, and there's no sewing involved! Serve this delightful sweet of orange peel in syrup in the traditional way - by the spoonful - or as a dessert sauce, especially with anything chocolate.
7. Sesame Baklava - Baklavas Sousamenios
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
This recipe comes from Greek Thrace, the most northeastern region of the country. This is one of the easiest baklava recipes I know, and a simple combination of delicious tastes. Sheets of phyllo, toasted sesame seeds, olive oil, water, sugar, and a little lemon peel. No nuts, no butter. Sesame Baklava is sometimes made with cinnamon - and I've included it as an optional ingredient - but I prefer it without, and some versions call for grinding the toasted sesame seeds, but this version uses the whole hulled seed.
8. Sesame Cookies - Koulourakia Lathera me Sousami
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Cookies made with olive oil are very common in Greece. These delicious small sesame cookies can be found all over Greece, in bakeries and at home. They are made without butter and eggs and can be stored for up to two months.
9. Sesame Honey Candy - Pasteli
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com
Pasteli is a favorite Greek candy made with sesame seeds and honey, and this traditional recipe is the simplest, easiest, and perhaps oldest. It creates a chewy confection that can be enjoyed like any other candy, as an energy booster, and it goes particularly well with tea.