In the heart of Greek Orthodox tradition, Easter Pascha stands as a beacon of culinary and spiritual celebration. This article takes you on a delectable journey through the vibrant flavors of Greek Easter, showcasing a diverse collection of traditional recipes that capture the essence of this joyous occasion. From the aromatic Tsoureki, a sweet bread adorned with red eggs, to the savory Magiritsa, a hearty soup brimming with lamb broth and offal, our selection of recipes caters to every palate. Discover the secrets behind creating the perfect Pastitsio, a baked pasta dish layered with minced meat, béchamel sauce, and cheese, a true testament to Greek culinary artistry. Indulge in the delightful Koulourakia, a buttery cookie twisted into intricate shapes, adding a touch of sweetness to your Easter feast. And for a refreshing twist, explore the art of crafting a flavorful and colorful Hortopita, a wild greens pie that bursts with the flavors of spring. Join us as we delve into the culinary traditions of Greek Easter, embracing the spirit of this sacred festival through a symphony of traditional dishes.
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
EASTER PASCHA - A GREEK TRADITION
At our Russian Orthodox church in Boston many Greek's came to celebrate as they did not have a Greek church in the small town we lived in. They preferred this versian of Pascha to the traditional Russian style (it IS absolutely wonderful with the sweet Polish bread!)
Provided by sassafrasnanc
Categories Russian
Time 15m
Yield 20 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place cream cheese, butter in mixing bowl and whip until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and mix at low speed until well blended.
- Add vanilla extra and mix well.
- Fold sour cream into mixture.
- Place in decorative bowl(s) and refrigerate over night.
- Decorate with raisins, nuts and any other edible fruit that you choose.
- Traditional this Easter dish is decorated with a cross or other Christian symbols.
- Serve with sweet bread.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 260.7, Fat 24.1, SaturatedFat 14.9, Cholesterol 67.1, Sodium 108.8, Carbohydrate 9.1, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 7.1, Protein 3.3
GREEK EASTER COOKIES (PASCHALINA KOULOURAKIA)
Steps:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with the paddle attachment, beat the sugar and the butter on medium-high speed until light and creamy. Add the orange zest, orange extract, and vanilla extract and mix again for a few seconds until just blended. Add the lightly beaten eggs and process to incorporate fully.
- In the meanwhile, in a small bowl, sift the flour with the baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture and beat on low speed until the dough is just combined.
- Generously flour a clean work surface, the top of the dough and your hands. Empty the dough and knead it for just a few minutes, adding more flour if necessary, so it does not stick. The dough should feel soft and easy to work with. Try not to incorporate too much flour, or the cookies will not be tender.
- Form the dough into a disk, cover it with plastic wrap, and put it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350˚ F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it rest for five minutes. Pinch off a small piece of the dough and roll it into a small, walnut-sized ball. Roll it out with your fingers into a thin rope about 7-inches long. Form the rope into a circle and secure the ends. Alternatively, you can also twist the dough and then form little circles with it. Place on the baking sheet. Continue with the rest of the dough until you have formed all your cookies.
- Brush your circles with some of the beaten egg and sprinkle with some pearl sugar (if desired). Bake for 12-14 minutes, making sure not to over bake the cookies. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. When they are completely cool, store them in a tin container for up to two weeks (if they last that long)!
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the final flavor of your Pascha.
- Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing will make the dough tough.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place. This will help it to double in size.
- Bake the Pascha in a preheated oven. This will help it to cook evenly.
- Don't overcook the Pascha. Overcooking will make it dry.
- Let the Pascha cool completely before serving. This will help it to set.
Conclusion:
Pascha is a delicious and festive Greek bread that is perfect for Easter celebrations. With its soft, fluffy texture and sweet flavor, it's sure to be a hit with everyone at your table. So next time you're looking for a special bread to serve, give Pascha a try. You won't be disappointed!
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