28+ Delicious Greek Easter Fasting Recipes to Nourish Your Soul

Greek Easter is a time rich in tradition, flavor, and community.

One of the most meaningful aspects of this celebration is the period of fasting that leads up to the feast, when many Greeks observe a plant-based diet free from meat, dairy, and eggs.

This fasting period not only honors spiritual reflection but also showcases the incredible variety and creativity of Greek cuisine without animal products.

From hearty bean stews and vibrant vegetable dishes to savory pies and fresh salads, Greek Easter fasting recipes offer nourishing, flavorful meals that delight the palate and satisfy the soul.

In this article, we explore over 28 authentic Greek Easter fasting recipes that celebrate wholesome ingredients, Mediterranean flavors, and timeless cooking methods perfect for this sacred season.

28+ Delicious Greek Easter Fasting Recipes to Nourish Your Soul

Exploring these 28+ Greek Easter fasting recipes reveals the richness and diversity of plant-based Mediterranean cooking.

These dishes, whether slow-cooked legumes, fresh green salads, or baked vegetable medleys, demonstrate how fasting can be a delicious and nourishing experience.

They bring together simple, wholesome ingredients in ways that honor tradition while delighting modern taste buds.

Whether you’re observing the fast or simply looking to enjoy wholesome, flavorful meals, these recipes provide endless inspiration to bring the spirit of Greek Easter into your kitchen with heart and authenticity.

Ladera Green Beans

Ladera green beans are a classic Greek fasting dish, perfectly suited for Easter Lent.

This simple yet flavorful recipe highlights fresh green beans cooked slowly in olive oil, tomatoes, onions, and herbs, resulting in a light, comforting, and nutritious meal that’s entirely plant-based and free of animal products.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh green beans, trimmed
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Ripe tomatoes, chopped or canned tomatoes
  • Water or vegetable broth
  • Fresh dill or parsley
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and soft.
  2. Add the green beans and stir to coat with oil.
  3. Add chopped tomatoes and enough water or broth to partially cover the beans.
  4. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer.
  5. Cover and cook gently until beans are tender and sauce thickens.
  6. Stir in fresh dill or parsley before serving.

This dish is a perfect representation of Greek fasting cuisine: simple, wholesome, and bursting with natural flavors.

It’s satisfying as a main or side dish during the Lenten period.

Revithada (Greek Chickpea Stew)

Revithada is a traditional Greek chickpea stew often prepared during fasting periods such as Lent.

Slow-cooked with olive oil, lemon, herbs, and spices, this hearty, protein-rich dish offers comfort and nourishment without meat or dairy, making it ideal for Greek Easter fasting.

Ingredients:

  • Dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Bay leaves
  • Lemon juice
  • Fresh oregano or thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Drain soaked chickpeas and place them in a large pot with water.
  2. Add bay leaves and simmer gently until chickpeas are tender.
  3. In a pan, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft.
  4. Add sautéed onions and garlic to chickpeas.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
  6. Stir in lemon juice just before serving.

Revithada is a warm, hearty stew that perfectly embodies the spirit of fasting meals—simple ingredients transformed through slow cooking into a delicious, filling dish.

Briam (Greek Roasted Vegetables)

Briam is a traditional Greek roasted vegetable medley made with eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, tomatoes, and herbs, all baked together with olive oil.

This colorful, vegan dish is a fasting favorite during Easter, combining the freshness of Mediterranean vegetables with the richness of olive oil and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients:

  • Eggplant, cubed
  • Zucchini, sliced
  • Potatoes, cubed
  • Tomatoes, chopped
  • Onion, sliced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh oregano or thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to moderate heat.
  2. Toss all vegetables with olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread evenly in a baking dish.
  4. Bake until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally.

Briam is a vibrant and nourishing dish that celebrates the bounty of Mediterranean produce, making it an ideal, flavorful option for Greek Easter fasting meals.

Fava Santorinis

Fava Santorinis is a creamy Greek yellow split pea puree traditionally served during fasting periods such as Lent.

This simple, vegan dish is packed with protein and fiber, flavored with olive oil, lemon, and onions to create a smooth, satisfying appetizer or side dish ideal for Greek Easter fasting.

Ingredients:

  • Yellow split peas (fava), rinsed
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Lemon juice
  • Water or vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper
  • Chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, cook yellow split peas with water or broth until very soft and falling apart.
  2. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
  3. Blend cooked peas until smooth, adding some cooking liquid as needed.
  4. Stir in sautéed onions and garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  5. Garnish with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Fava Santorinis is a wholesome and delicious fasting recipe, offering creamy texture and bright flavors that make it a staple during Greek Easter fasting.

Horta Vrasta (Boiled Greens)

Horta Vrasta is a simple and traditional Greek fasting dish consisting of boiled wild greens dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.

It’s a light, healthy, and refreshing side that highlights the natural bitterness and earthiness of fresh greens, perfect for cleansing and nourishment during Lent.

Ingredients:

  • Assorted wild greens (dandelion, spinach, chicory, or other edible greens)
  • Lemon juice
  • Olive oil
  • Salt

Instructions:

  1. Rinse greens thoroughly and boil in salted water until tender.
  2. Drain well and let cool slightly.
  3. Toss with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and additional salt to taste.

Horta Vrasta is a vibrant and nutritious fasting recipe that provides a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy fresh greens during Greek Easter fasting.

Fasolada (Greek Bean Soup)

Fasolada is a traditional Greek white bean soup that’s hearty, healthy, and completely plant-based—making it ideal for fasting periods like Lent.

Slow-cooked with tomatoes, olive oil, and aromatic vegetables, this comforting soup embodies the essence of Greek fasting cuisine.

Ingredients:

  • Dried white beans, soaked overnight
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, chopped
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Bay leaf
  • Water or vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions:

  1. Drain soaked beans and simmer in water or broth with bay leaf until tender.
  2. In a separate pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes and cook for a few minutes.
  4. Combine sautéed vegetables with beans and simmer together to blend flavors.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Fasolada is a nourishing and filling fasting recipe, perfect for Greek Easter when a wholesome, meat-free meal is desired.

Gigantes Plaki

Gigantes Plaki is a classic Greek baked giant bean dish ideal for fasting periods like Easter Lent.

Large white beans are simmered until tender, then baked in a rich tomato sauce with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, creating a hearty and flavorful vegan meal full of Mediterranean charm.

Ingredients:

  • Giant white beans (gigantes), soaked overnight
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Carrot, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Fresh parsley and dill
  • Bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Boil soaked beans with a bay leaf until tender but not mushy.
  2. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in olive oil until soft.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper to create a sauce.
  4. Combine beans with sauce in a baking dish.
  5. Bake at moderate heat until the sauce thickens and beans absorb flavors.

Gigantes Plaki is a wholesome and satisfying fasting dish, showcasing the best of Greek plant-based cooking with hearty beans and vibrant herbs.

Melitzanes Imam

Melitzanes Imam is a traditional Greek eggplant dish perfect for Easter fasting.

Eggplants are sautéed or roasted and then simmered in a savory tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and herbs, making a flavorful and meat-free main or side dish.

Ingredients:

  • Eggplants, sliced or halved
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Tomatoes, chopped or canned
  • Parsley
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté or roast eggplants until tender and lightly browned.
  2. In a pan, cook onions and garlic in olive oil until soft.
  3. Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper and simmer to a rich sauce.
  4. Layer eggplants in the sauce and cook together briefly.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Melitzanes Imam offers a rich, smoky flavor from the eggplant combined with the bright tomato sauce, making it an excellent fasting recipe full of depth and tradition.

Briam (Greek Roasted Vegetables)

Briam is a medley of Mediterranean vegetables baked in olive oil and herbs, making it a colorful and nutritious dish for Greek fasting periods.

The combination of eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, tomatoes, and onions creates a hearty, vegan-friendly meal that highlights the flavors of the season.

Ingredients:

  • Eggplant, cubed
  • Zucchini, sliced
  • Potatoes, cubed
  • Tomatoes, chopped
  • Onion, sliced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh oregano or thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Toss all vegetables with olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
  2. Spread in a baking dish and roast at moderate temperature until tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally.

Briam is a vibrant and wholesome fasting dish, perfect for Easter as it celebrates fresh vegetables and simple, clean flavors rooted in Greek culinary tradition.

Revithia Fournou

Revithia Fournou is a traditional Greek oven-baked chickpea dish, perfect for fasting during Greek Easter.

The chickpeas are slowly cooked with tomatoes, onions, olive oil, and herbs, resulting in a rich and comforting meal that’s entirely plant-based and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients:

  • Dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, sliced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Bay leaf
  • Lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Drain soaked chickpeas and place them in a baking dish with sliced onions, garlic, and crushed tomatoes.
  2. Add olive oil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add water to cover the ingredients halfway.
  4. Cover with foil and bake at moderate temperature until chickpeas are tender.
  5. Remove foil, bake a bit longer to thicken the sauce, then finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh parsley.

Revithia Fournou is a wholesome and flavorful fasting recipe that showcases the magic of slow-cooked legumes and simple seasonings, making it a staple during Greek Easter fasting.

Lahanosalata (Cabbage Salad)

Lahanosalata is a crisp and refreshing Greek cabbage salad that fits perfectly into the fasting diet.

Made with shredded cabbage, olive oil, lemon juice, and a hint of herbs, this salad offers a light and tangy side dish that complements heavier fasting meals.

Ingredients:

  • Green cabbage, shredded
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Fresh dill or parsley (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Thinly shred the cabbage and place it in a large bowl.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
  3. Season with salt and toss well.
  4. Add chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Lahanosalata is a simple yet flavorful fasting side that adds crunch and brightness to your Greek Easter fasting menu, balancing out richer dishes with fresh, clean flavors.

Fassolakia Ladera

Fassolakia Ladera is a traditional Greek dish of green beans cooked in olive oil and tomato sauce, ideal for fasting.

This vegan-friendly recipe is hearty yet light, featuring fresh green beans simmered slowly to absorb the tangy tomato flavors and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh green beans, trimmed
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Tomatoes, chopped or canned
  • Fresh dill or parsley
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
  2. Add green beans and chopped tomatoes.
  3. Pour in water to partially cover the beans.
  4. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer gently until beans are tender.
  5. Stir in fresh herbs before serving.

Fassolakia Ladera is a delicious and nutritious fasting dish that highlights simple, fresh ingredients in true Greek style, making it perfect for Greek Easter fasting meals.

Revithosalata (Chickpea Salad)

Revithosalata is a refreshing and protein-packed Greek chickpea salad, perfect for fasting periods like Greek Easter.

Combining tender chickpeas with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs, this salad is simple to prepare and full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients:

  • Cooked chickpeas
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic, minced
  • Red onion, finely chopped
  • Fresh parsley or dill
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine cooked chickpeas, minced garlic, and finely chopped red onion.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Toss everything together and garnish with fresh parsley or dill.

Revithosalata is a light yet satisfying fasting dish that highlights the natural flavors of chickpeas and fresh ingredients, making it an ideal starter or side during Greek Easter fasting.

Kolokythakia Tiganita (Fried Zucchini)

Kolokythakia Tiganita, or fried zucchini, is a beloved Greek fasting appetizer featuring thinly sliced zucchini lightly battered and fried until crisp.

Served with lemon wedges, this simple dish offers a crunchy, flavorful snack that’s perfect during the fasting period of Easter.

Ingredients:

  • Zucchini, thinly sliced
  • Flour or chickpea flour (for gluten-free option)
  • Salt
  • Olive oil (for frying)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Lightly salt zucchini slices and let them sit for a few minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry.
  2. Coat zucchini slices in flour.
  3. Heat olive oil in a pan and fry zucchini slices until golden and crispy on both sides.
  4. Drain on paper towels and serve with fresh lemon wedges.

Kolokythakia Tiganita are a crunchy, flavorful fasting snack that pairs wonderfully with other light dishes and brings a satisfying texture to Greek Easter fasting menus.

Briam (Oven-Roasted Vegetables)

Briam is a traditional Greek dish of oven-roasted vegetables cooked slowly with olive oil and herbs, making it a hearty and wholesome fasting meal.

Combining potatoes, eggplants, zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, this dish celebrates fresh produce and simple Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients:

  • Potatoes, cubed
  • Eggplant, cubed
  • Zucchini, sliced
  • Tomatoes, chopped
  • Onion, sliced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh oregano or thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven and toss all vegetables with olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
  2. Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish.
  3. Roast until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally.

Briam is a nourishing and flavorful fasting recipe that highlights the best of Greek cuisine during Easter fasting, perfect for a satisfying plant-based main course.

Fasolakia Yiahni

Fasolakia Yiahni is a traditional Greek dish of green beans stewed in a rich tomato sauce with olive oil, onions, and herbs.

It’s a beloved fasting recipe, especially during Greek Easter, offering a wholesome, comforting, and completely plant-based meal.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh green beans, trimmed
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Tomatoes, chopped or canned
  • Fresh parsley or dill
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant.
  2. Add the green beans and stir to coat with the oil and aromatics.
  3. Pour in chopped tomatoes and enough water to cover the beans halfway.
  4. Season with salt and pepper, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook gently until the beans are tender.
  5. Stir in fresh herbs before serving.

Fasolakia Yiahni is a satisfying, flavorful fasting dish that highlights fresh ingredients and the simplicity of Greek home cooking, perfect for the Easter fasting period.

Revithosoupa (Greek Chickpea Soup)

Revithosoupa is a traditional Greek chickpea soup that’s hearty, nutritious, and fully plant-based, making it ideal for fasting periods such as Greek Easter.

The slow-cooked chickpeas combine with vegetables, olive oil, and lemon to create a comforting and wholesome soup.

Ingredients:

  • Dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, chopped
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Bay leaf
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Simmer soaked chickpeas with bay leaf in water until tender.
  2. In a separate pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil until softened.
  3. Add sautéed vegetables to the chickpeas and cook together for a few minutes.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Add lemon juice just before serving for brightness.

Revithosoupa is a warm and hearty soup, full of Mediterranean flavors and nutrients, making it an excellent fasting recipe during Greek Easter.

Lahanosalata Me Roka (Cabbage and Arugula Salad)

Lahanosalata Me Roka is a fresh Greek salad combining crunchy cabbage with peppery arugula, dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice.

This vegan and fasting-friendly salad is a crisp and refreshing side dish, perfect for balancing richer fasting meals.

Ingredients:

  • Green cabbage, shredded
  • Fresh arugula
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Fresh oregano (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine shredded cabbage and fresh arugula in a large bowl.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
  3. Season with salt and toss well.
  4. Add fresh oregano for extra flavor if desired.

Lahanosalata Me Roka offers a vibrant, tangy contrast to hearty fasting dishes, making it a delightful addition to any Greek Easter fasting table.

Revithia Gigantes (Baked Chickpeas and Giant Beans)

Revithia Gigantes combines two staple legumes—chickpeas and giant beans—baked slowly with tomatoes, onions, and herbs in olive oil.

This fasting dish is hearty, flavorful, and nourishing, making it ideal for Greek Easter when meat and dairy are avoided.

Ingredients:

  • Soaked chickpeas
  • Soaked giant beans (gigantes)
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Bay leaf
  • Fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Pre-cook chickpeas and gigantes until just tender.
  2. In a baking dish, combine beans with sautéed onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and bay leaf.
  3. Add water to partially cover, season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cover and bake slowly until beans absorb the flavors and sauce thickens.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

This wholesome dish offers rich textures and deep flavors, perfect as a satisfying fasting meal for Greek Easter.

Kolokythoanthoi (Stuffed Zucchini Flowers)

Kolokythoanthoi are delicate zucchini flowers stuffed with a rice and herb mixture, then baked or steamed.

This fasting recipe is light, aromatic, and visually beautiful, embodying the freshness of spring and the spirit of Greek Easter fasting.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh zucchini flowers
  • Rice
  • Onion, finely chopped
  • Fresh dill and mint
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion in olive oil until soft.
  2. Mix cooked rice with sautéed onion, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Carefully stuff zucchini flowers with the rice mixture and close gently.
  4. Place stuffed flowers in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
  5. Bake covered until flowers are tender and rice is cooked through.

Kolokythoanthoi are a refined and traditional fasting dish, combining delicate textures and fresh flavors perfect for Easter.

Fakes Soupa (Lentil Soup)

Fakes Soupa is a classic Greek lentil soup, rich in fiber and protein, made with lentils, vegetables, and herbs simmered slowly to develop deep flavor.

It’s an excellent fasting recipe during Greek Easter, providing warmth and nourishment without animal products.

Ingredients:

  • Brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, chopped
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Bay leaf
  • Red wine vinegar or lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil until soft.
  2. Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, and water or broth.
  3. Simmer until lentils are tender.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice before serving.

Fakes Soupa is a hearty and flavorful soup that’s a fasting favorite, perfect for comforting meals during Greek Easter.

Revithada with Tomato

Revithada with tomato is a traditional Greek baked chickpea dish commonly enjoyed during fasting periods like Greek Easter.

Chickpeas are slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce with olive oil and herbs, resulting in a hearty, flavorful, and vegan meal.

Ingredients:

  • Dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Bay leaf
  • Fresh oregano or thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Pre-cook soaked chickpeas until tender.
  2. In a baking dish, combine chickpeas with sautéed onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs.
  3. Add water to cover partially and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cover and bake at moderate temperature until chickpeas absorb flavors and sauce thickens.
  5. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs.

This dish is a classic example of Greek fasting cuisine — simple, nutritious, and full of Mediterranean flavor.

Marathopita (Fennel Pie)

Marathopita is a traditional Greek savory pie made with fresh fennel and herbs, perfect for Easter fasting meals.

The pie features a crisp phyllo crust filled with a flavorful mixture of fennel, onions, olive oil, and lemon juice, offering a light yet satisfying plant-based dish.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh fennel, chopped
  • Onion, chopped
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Fresh dill or parsley
  • Phyllo dough
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté fennel and onions in olive oil until soft.
  2. Mix with fresh herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Layer phyllo dough sheets in a baking dish, brushing each with olive oil.
  4. Spread fennel mixture evenly over the phyllo, then cover with more phyllo layers.
  5. Bake until golden and crisp.

Marathopita is a fresh and aromatic fasting dish, bringing vibrant flavors and a delightful crunch to your Greek Easter table.

Patates Plaki (Baked Potatoes with Tomato)

Patates Plaki is a classic Greek baked potato dish cooked in a savory tomato sauce with garlic, onions, and herbs.

It’s a wholesome and delicious fasting recipe, showcasing simple ingredients transformed by slow baking into a comforting meal.

Ingredients:

  • Potatoes, sliced or cubed
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, sliced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Fresh parsley or oregano
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven and sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until softened.
  2. Mix sautéed onions and garlic with crushed tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place potatoes in a baking dish and pour tomato mixture over them.
  4. Cover and bake until potatoes are tender and sauce is thickened.

Patates Plaki is a perfect fasting dish that combines hearty potatoes with flavorful tomato sauce, making it an ideal choice for Greek Easter fasting meals.

Gigantes Plaki

Gigantes Plaki is a classic Greek baked giant bean dish perfect for fasting periods like Greek Easter.

Large white beans are simmered until tender, then baked in a rich tomato sauce with olive oil, garlic, and herbs.

This hearty, plant-based dish is satisfying and full of Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients:

  • Giant white beans (gigantes), soaked overnight
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Carrot, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Fresh parsley and dill
  • Bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Boil soaked beans with a bay leaf until tender but not mushy.
  2. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in olive oil until soft.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper to create a sauce.
  4. Combine beans with sauce in a baking dish.
  5. Bake at moderate heat until sauce thickens and beans absorb flavors.

Gigantes Plaki is a wholesome fasting dish, showcasing hearty beans and vibrant herbs that make it a staple during Greek Easter.

Lahanosalata (Boiled Greens Salad)

Lahanosalata is a simple and traditional Greek fasting dish consisting of boiled wild greens dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.

This light, healthy, and refreshing side highlights the natural earthiness of fresh greens, making it perfect for Greek Easter fasting.

Ingredients:

  • Assorted wild greens (dandelion, spinach, chicory, or other edible greens)
  • Lemon juice
  • Olive oil
  • Salt

Instructions:

  1. Rinse greens thoroughly and boil in salted water until tender.
  2. Drain well and let cool slightly.
  3. Toss with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to taste.

Lahanosalata offers a nutritious and flavorful fasting option, providing a crisp and tangy balance to heavier dishes on the Easter fasting table.

Revithada Fournou (Oven-Baked Chickpeas)

Revithada Fournou is a traditional Greek oven-baked chickpea dish, perfect for fasting.

Chickpeas are slow-cooked with tomatoes, onions, olive oil, and herbs, resulting in a rich, flavorful, and completely plant-based meal.

Ingredients:

  • Dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, sliced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Bay leaf
  • Lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Pre-cook soaked chickpeas until tender.
  2. Combine chickpeas with sliced onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and bay leaf in a baking dish.
  3. Add water to partially cover and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cover and bake until chickpeas absorb flavors and sauce thickens.
  5. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh parsley before serving.

Revithada Fournou is a hearty and comforting fasting recipe, embodying the essence of Greek Easter plant-based cuisine.

Conclusion

The tradition of Greek Easter fasting invites us to embrace simplicity, mindfulness, and the natural bounty of the earth. With over 28 recipes spanning stews, salads, pies, and more, there’s no shortage of options to enjoy during this meaningful season. These recipes highlight how plant-based ingredients, when prepared with care and respect, create meals that are both satisfying and celebratory. Whether you’re new to fasting or a longtime participant, these Greek Easter fasting recipes offer a delicious way to connect with heritage, spirituality, and community through food.

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