Greek Orthodox dietary restrictions prohibit eating foods that contain or are derived from red blooded animals, which means no meat, no fish, no dairy products. And for the very devout, there are more than 180 days each year when at least some restrictions apply. Cephalopods (squid, calamari, octopus, cuttlefish), shrimp and shellfish are favorites, as well as a wide range of vegetable dishes. Here are ten favorite Lenten and "fasting" (as it's called in Greek) appetizers, sides, and main dishes. (For desserts, see Lenten Desserts & Sweets.) Listed alphabetically. (Click on photos for larger images.)
1. Baked Giant Bean Casserole - Yigandes Plaki
Photo © Jim Stanfield
Yigandes (gigantes) are similar to giant dried lima beans, and this oven-to-table casserole combines them with tomatoes, onions, herbs, and spices to create a fabulous dish. This can also be served as a side dish or (on small plates) as a meze.
2. Baked Stuffed Squid - Kalamarakia Yemista
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
This recipe can be made with large or small squid, fresh or frozen. The stuffing is a delicious mixture of rice, garlic, tomato paste, parsley, onion, and wine. A Greek classic and a favorite way to enjoy squid (calamari).
3. Braised Eggplant with Potatoes
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Eggplant is dredged in flour and browned, then added to potatoes in a sauce of tomatoes, onions and parsley. It's simple, delicious, traditional, and meatless.
4. Cuttlefish in Wine - Soupies Krasates
Photo © Prosenghisi
A delicious dish of cuttlefish cooked with onions, red wine, and bay leaves - reminiscent of French cooking, but definitely and authentically Greek.
5. Easy Bean Salad - Fassolia Xera Salata
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
This is a simple dish to make and a Greek favorite. Great Northern or navy beans are my choice, but you can use any dried white bean. This is a great dish to include in a picnic or cookout menu! Enjoy it as a salad, appetizer, or side dish.
6. Fish Roe (Caviar) Dip & Spread - Taramosalata
Photo © Jim Stanfield
Tarama (cod or carp roe) is sometimes called "the common man's caviar." Combined with olive oil and bread, it makes one of the tastiest and most basic of Greek appetizers and mezethes. This easy to make, no-cook meze is one of the classic Greek dips. The roe comes in plain and smoked varieties, as well as a paste. Smoked cod roe is a whitish color, while carp roe is generally light (uncolored with no additives) to dark (coloring and soy meal added) pink. The lighter color, without additives, is the higher quality.
7. Lentils with Rice - Fakes me Ryzi
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
This recipe meets the most stringent Greek Orthodox guidelines for periods of fasting and the Great Lent, and even with the optional addition of olive oil, meets less stringent guidelines and is served as a starter, salad, side, and main course.
8. Meatless Stuffed Cabbage Rolls - Lahanodolmades Orphana
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
The word "orphana" means "orphaned" and in Greek cooking, usually means a dish that can be made with meat, but in this case is made without. Cabbage is a favorite winter food, and this meatless recipe is delightful and a Lenten favorite. These cabbage rolls are delicious as a main dish, but I often make them using small pieces of the cabbage leaf, to create small rolls that are perfect as a side dish, addition to a buffet table, or appetizer. Try them also using chard leaves and Romaine lettuce leaves (photo).
9. Meatless Stuffed Vegetables with Rice
Photo © Jim Stanfield
This meatless version of stuffed vegetables is so delicious, you'll never miss the meat. The stuffing is a mixture of rice and vegetables. This is my granddaughter's favorite version of stuffed vegetables, and a great way to get her to eat healthy foods she might not otherwise touch! If there's any filling left over, freeze it and use it another time. Defrost for 3-4 hours.
10. Mushroom & Onion Stew - Stifado me Manitaria
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Greek stifatho dishes are known as stews made with a lot of onions, a tomato-based sauce, and often with the taste of cinnamon for good measure. While the best known stifatho dishes may include meat, poultry, or seafood, this mushroom stew recipe is a favorite as well, especially during periods of fasting since it conforms to dietary guidelines of the Greek Orthodox faith. Personally, I love it simply because it tastes great! The bite of the vinegar, combined with the sweetness of the cinnamon give this mushroom stew a unique flavor.