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As the festival of Easter approaches, people around the world prepare to celebrate this holiday with their unique traditions. One of the most significant aspects of the celebrations is the food that is prepared and shared with family and friends. So, let’s go on a culinary journey around the world and explore 10 mouth-watering Easter food traditions.
United Kingdom
During Easter, eggs are a popular food item and hold significant symbolism. Eggs are associated with new beginnings and the theme of Easter, which celebrates the arrival of spring and new life. Moreover, Christians use eggs to represent the resurrection of Jesus Christ, where the egg's hard shell represents the tomb and the chick inside symbolizes Jesus himself.
The Simnel cake, is another well-loved recipe to make during Easter time. It is known for its fruity flavor and light texture, has a long-standing tradition of being adorned with 11 marzipan balls. This symbolic decoration represents the apostles, with the exception of Judas, who is not included due to his betrayal of Jesus. These cakes are typically consumed during the Easter season.
Australia
Easter is celebrated in Australia in a grand way. The most popular treat prepared is the "Hot Cross Bun," which is typically flavored with spices and raisins. The bun is often marked with a cross, symbolizing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
People also prepare the Lamb Roast, which is typically served with vegetables and potatoes. Lamb, which is commonly consumed on Easter Sunday, has been associated with the holiday because of its mention in various Christian narratives, as well as its connection to Jesus as the Lamb of God who was sacrificed. The dish is often accompanied by a glass of Australian wine.
United States
In the U.S., Roasted Ham is typically served with vegetables and potatoes. The dish is often served with deviled eggs and a green bean casserole.
Families also celebrate with the Easter Basket Cake, a cake that is often shaped like a basket and filled with candy and Easter eggs. The cake is a perfect dessert for an Easter celebration and is often enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Spain
In Spain, Easter is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and food plays an essential role in the celebrations. One of the most popular dishes is the Torrijas, which is a type of French toast. The dish is made by soaking bread in milk or wine, then dipping it in beaten egg and frying it in olive oil. The toast is then sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon, making it an amazing dessert or breakfast item during Easter.
Another popular dish in Spain is the Potaje de Vigilia, a vegetable stew made with chickpeas, spinach, and cod. People usually eat this dish on Good Friday, and it may have come from the Catholic tradition of not eating meat on this day. The stew is a hearty and delicious way to break the fast observed on Good Friday.
Italy
In Italy, Easter is a time for family gatherings and feasting. Among the many Easter dishes is the Agnello Pasquale, which is a roasted lamb. The lamb represents Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Lamb of God." The dish is typically served with potatoes and vegetables, making it a perfect centerpiece for an Easter feast.
Another one is the Colomba di Pasqua, a traditional Easter cake that is shaped like a dove. The cake is made with flour, butter, eggs, and sugar, and it is often topped with almonds and a sugar glaze. The cake is a sweet and delicious way to celebrate Easter with family and friends.
Greece
In Greece, Easter is a significant religious holiday, and the food that is prepared reflects this importance. Magiritsa, a soup made with lamb offal and vegetables. The soup is typically eaten after the midnight Easter service and is believed to symbolize the end of the fasting period.
Greeks also prepare Lamb Kleftiko, a roasted lamb dish that is slow-cooked in parchment paper. The lamb is marinated in olive oil, lemon, and herbs, making it flavorful and tender. The dish is typically served with potatoes and vegetables.
Poland
Easter time in Poland is spent with family gatherings and traditional food. One of the most popular dishes is Babka, a sweet yeast cake that is often flavored with raisins, almonds, and lemon zest. The cake is typically served for breakfast on Easter Sunday and is a delicious way to start the day.
Kielbasa, a type of sausage that is made with pork and beef, is also quite popular during this time. The sausage is typically smoked and served with horseradish and mustard.
Russia
In Russia, Paskha, a sweet cheese dessert, is typically made during Easter. It is made with cottage cheese, butter, sugar, and raisins. The dessert is often shaped like a pyramid and decorated with candied fruits and nuts.
The Kulich, a sweet bread, is also popular and is often flavored with raisins, almonds, and candied fruits. The bread is typically baked in a tall cylindrical shape and decorated with icing and sprinkles.
Mexico
Easter is a time for celebration and feasting in Mexico, and one popular dish is Chiles en Nogada. It is a stuffed pepper dish that is made with ground beef, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds. The dish is typically served with a creamy walnut sauce and garnished with parsley.
Also, the Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread, is typically eaten during this time. It is shaped like a wreath and decorated with candied fruits, making it a delicious treat for all to savor.
Brazil
One of the most popular dishes in Brazil during this festival is the Bacalhau, a salted cod dish. The dish is often prepared with potatoes, onions, and olives.
The Pamonha, a type of corn tamale, is quite famous too and is typically filled with cheese or meat. The dish is often served for breakfast or as a snack.
