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Your favorite foods for lenten fasting?

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nadellii

nadellii

Active member
With Lent approaching, I’m looking for some delicious and satisfying meals that fit within the traditional fasting guidelines. I know Greek cuisine has a lot of great options for this time of year, but I’d love to hear your go-to Lenten dishes!

I already know about classics like fava, fasolada (bean soup), and taramasalata, but I’d love to discover more recipes—especially ones that are easy to prepare and keep me full. Do you have any favorite legume-based meals, seafood dishes, or creative veggie recipes that work well for fasting?

Also, any favorite desserts or snacks that are Lenten-friendly? I’ve heard of halva and olive oil-based baked goods, but I’d love to try new ideas.

Looking forward to your recommendations! Thanks
 
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Greek cuisine has so many great options for Lent! Beyond fava and fasolada, here are some other satisfying dishes to try:

Legume-Based Meals:
  • Revithada (Chickpea Stew): Slow-cooked chickpeas with olive oil, onions, and lemon for a hearty, protein-rich meal.
  • Lentil Soup (Fakes): Simple but filling, made with lentils, garlic, bay leaves, and a drizzle of vinegar for extra flavor.
  • Gigantes Plaki: Baked giant beans in a rich tomato sauce with garlic and herbs—great with bread.
Veggie Dishes:
  • Briam: Roasted mixed vegetables in olive oil, similar to ratatouille.
  • Stuffed Tomatoes & Peppers (Gemista): Filled with rice, herbs, and sometimes nuts or raisins.
Of course, everyone's fasting program is different so you'll want to use your judgment. There are some dishes I like.
 
nadellii said:
With Lent approaching, I’m looking for some delicious and satisfying meals that fit within the traditional fasting guidelines. I know Greek cuisine has a lot of great options for this time of year, but I’d love to hear your go-to Lenten dishes!

I already know about classics like fava, fasolada (bean soup), and taramasalata, but I’d love to discover more recipes—especially ones that are easy to prepare and keep me full. Do you have any favorite legume-based meals, seafood dishes, or creative veggie recipes that work well for fasting?

Also, any favorite desserts or snacks that are Lenten-friendly? I’ve heard of halva and olive oil-based baked goods, but I’d love to try new ideas.

Looking forward to your recommendations! Thanks
Click to expand...
I make this Chocolate Salami (known in Greek as Kormo or Mosaiko) which has 2 options (one is vegan). It's so easy to make, too!
 
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JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Greek-Style Hummus Recipe

I love hummus, but I’ve noticed that many recipes use spices like cumin and paprika, which aren’t really common in Greek cuisine. I’m looking for a Greek-inspired hummus recipe—something that keeps the flavors fresh, bright, and true to Mediterranean ingredients.

Would you recommend skipping the tahini and using more olive oil and lemon? Maybe adding Greek yogurt for creaminess? What about incorporating oregano or feta for a more authentic twist?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you have a go-to Greek-style hummus recipe (or even just a tip to make it taste more Greek), please share. I would appreciate it!

Greek Boiled Greens (Horta Vrasta))

My family loves to eat this when the weather starts warming up. I thought I'd share a simple recipe:

Ingredients:
  • 1–2 large bunches of leafy greens (see types below)
  • Sea salt
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: a clove of garlic in the boiling water (for aroma)
Instructions:

Start by cleaning the greens. Trim away any tough stems or wilted leaves, then rinse the greens well in cold water. It’s best to do this in a large bowl or basin, changing the water several times to remove any dirt or sand that might be hiding between the leaves. Once clean, set them aside.

Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. If you like a subtle hint of garlic, you can add a whole clove to the water for extra aroma. Carefully add the greens to the pot—if they don’t all fit at once, add them in batches as they wilt down. Let them boil uncovered for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the type of greens and how tender you like them. They should be fully cooked but still have a nice vibrant green color.

When the greens are tender, use tongs or a strainer to remove them from the water and let them drain well.

Favorite Greek Dishes for Spring

I’m planning some springtime meals and would love to get your advice and opinions on your favorite Greek dishes for spring. I know Greece has such a rich food culture, and spring is a beautiful time for fresh herbs, greens, and lighter flavors.

What dishes do you love making (or eating) this time of year? I’m especially interested in seasonal recipes—like ones with fresh spinach, peas, artichokes, dill, or wild greens. Lent-friendly or vegetarian options are more than welcome, too!

Some I’ve heard of but haven’t tried yet include artichokes à la polita, maroulosalata, and hortopita. Would love to hear if those are worth making—and any tips you have for preparing them.

Also open to seafood dishes, spring desserts, or anything you associate with Greek Easter.

Why are Greek restaurants different outside of Greece?

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I also wonder if local preferences play a role. Do Greek restaurants abroad adjust their recipes to appeal to the tastes of the country they’re in? Or maybe certain ingredients just aren’t as readily available outside of Greece?

It’s always interesting to compare, and I’m curious to hear what others think. If you’ve traveled to Greece, did you notice a difference? And if you have insights into how Greek food has changed over time, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Best Greek Lamb Dishes for Easter?

I’m getting ready for Greek Easter and planning my menu, but I need to order my lamb soon since it’s hard to find where I live. Most people here don’t eat much lamb, so it has to be special-ordered.

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