Greek Easter Food Ideas: Celebrating With Delicious Recipes

As Easter approaches, Greek families start preparing for the ultimate celebration. This festive holiday is a time when friends and family gather to enjoy traditional dishes and share their love for each other. Whether you’re looking for a new recipe to try or want to stick to the classics, we have some delicious Greek Easter food ideas that will satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests.

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Recipe 1: Tsoureki – Greek Sweet Bread

One of the most popular Greek Easter treats is Tsoureki, a sweet and fluffy bread that’s traditionally served during the holiday. It’s a perfect addition to your Easter brunch or dinner table, and it’s easy to make.

Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup lukewarm milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tbsp active dry yeast
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1/4 cup slivered almonds (for topping)

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, orange juice, yeast, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well until the ingredients are fully combined.
Add the flour gradually, stirring continuously until a soft dough is formed.
Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rest for 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Knead the dough again and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope and braid them together.
Place the braided dough on a greased baking sheet and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rest for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush the braided dough with the beaten egg and sprinkle the slivered almonds on top.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool before slicing.

Nutritional Information:

Servings: 16 slices
Calories: 240
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 68mg
Sodium: 100mg
Potassium: 92mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 9g
Vitamin A: 327IU
Calcium: 40mg
Iron: 2mg

Cooking Time:

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 3 hours and 5 minutes

Equipment:

Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Clean cloth

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Tsoureki warm or at room temperature, sliced into thick pieces. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also spread some butter or jam on top. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect Greek Easter treat.

Variations and Substitutions:

You can substitute orange juice with lemon juice or any other citrus fruit juice.
You can add some raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor.
You can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a healthier option.

Storage:

Store Tsoureki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Tips and Notes:

Make sure the milk is lukewarm, not too hot or too cold, to activate the yeast properly.
Kneading the dough is the most important step to achieve a soft and fluffy bread.
Letting the dough rest and rise twice is crucial to develop the flavor and texture of the bread.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Tsoureki without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix the dough with a wooden spoon or your hands. It might take longer, but it’s doable.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast, but you have to adjust the amount and follow the package instructions.

Can I add some spices to the dough?

Yes, you can add some cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a festive twist.

Recipe 2: Lamb Souvlaki – Grilled Lamb Skewers

Lamb Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish that’s perfect for Easter or any other occasion. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that will transport you straight to Greece.

Ingredients:

1 lb lamb leg or shoulder, cut into cubes
1/4 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 lemon, juiced
8-10 skewers

Instructions:

Soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped oregano, rosemary, thyme, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
Add the lamb cubes to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Thread the lamb cubes onto the skewers, leaving some space between them.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with some oil to prevent sticking.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked through.
Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.