Greek Orthodox dietary restrictions prohibit eating foods that contain or are derived from red blooded animals, which means no meat, no fish, no diary products. Cephalopods (squid, calamari, octopus, cuttlefish), shrimp and shellfish are favorites, as well as a wide range of vegetable dishes. In addition to the traditions of Clean Monday, here are ten more favorite Lenten appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. (Listed alphabetically.)
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. 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.
4. 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 beans are my choice because they don't require overnight soaking, but you can use any dried white beans.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. No-Butter Sesame Cookies - Koulourakia Lathera me Sousami
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
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.
8. Octopus Stewed with Onions & Tomato - Htapothi Stifatho
Photo © Jim Stanfield
Stifatho (stifado) is a stew made with tomatoes and a lot of those wonderful small pearl onions. This is a delightful main dish that also meets Lenten requirements.
9. Purée of Yellow Split Peas - Fava
Photo © Jim Stanfield
Fava is made with yellow split peas (or yellow daal), and puréed to create an light appetizer or meze that, during Lent, goes exceptionally well with salty dishes as well as dark leafy greens. This is a great dish for vegetarians and vegans as well.
10. Spinach & Herb Pie without Cheese - Spanakopita
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
This version without cheese is as popular with Greeks as the version with cheese, and is a popular Lenten dish. Although the name for this dish is often used for the spinach pie with cheese, traditional spanakopita does not include cheese.
