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Good Friday, while not a celebration, is still a day filled with tradition around the world, and dishes that are heavy with significance. Every culture has its own way of preparing the menus for celebrating Good Friday but there is a sense of warmth and connection through the diverse tables.
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The prior 40 days of Lent are usually marked by partial fasting or renunciation of worldly pleasures, which for many includes alcohol, sweets or meat dishes. Lent officially ends on Maundy Thursday, which begins the Triduum - the three day Easter weekend. Despite this, Good Friday, meals are supposed to be simple and light, in accordance with the sombre nature of the day. These traditional Good Friday culinary traditions and customs let you into the community and culture through meals and recipes that hold memories, significance and more.
Fish
In many countries, eating fish has been a longstanding tradition. For example, in Italy, people consume or eat baccalà, a salted cod dish. In Ireland and the UK, it is common to eat fish and chips. Fish is consumed because in the bible, Jesus had performed a miracle where he had fed thousands of people with only two fish and five loaves of bread. Plus, fish is considered a symbol of resurrection and new life. Jesus is often referred to as the fisher of men in the community.
Also Read: Easter Sunday: What The World Eats And Why
Vegetable Dishes
Vegetables are simple and are in keeping with the spirit of the day. Some popular vegetable dishes that are made include recipes like roasted root vegetables, sautéed spinach, and grilled asparagus. Many Christians fast on Good Friday, while others abstain from meat and eat vegetarian food. You can build the menu around vegetables, beans, cheese, and grains. You can also try many dishes like salads, curries, or healthy soups.
Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns have a cross on top, which symbolises Jesus Christ's crucifixion. The first batch is said to have been baked in the 12th century by a monk in St Albans, England. These hot cross buns were frequently given to the ill and others, and since then, they have come to be connected with the idea of healing and helping over time. You can see them everywhere during Easter, from neighbourhood bakeries to stores. If you want to bake them at home, it becomes a simple, hands-on, and great way to bring a bit of tradition into your kitchen, with room to tweak flavours and make the recipe your own. There are different recipes online that you can try your hand at.
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Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi typically involves sautéing shrimp in a mixture of garlic, butter, and white wine, and serving it over pasta or with crusty bread. This dish is perfect for those who are looking for a flavourful meal that is still relatively light and easy to prepare. Shrimp scampi is also versatile, as you can add different ingredients to suit your tastes. For example, you can add some lemon juice and parsley for a fresh, citrusy flavour, or some red pepper flakes for some extra heat.
Soups
Soup is another popular Good Friday dish. In many traditions, soup is eaten on this day because it is simple and frugal, which is in keeping with the spirit of the day. Some traditional soups include pea soup, tomato soup, and lentil soup. In some cultures, it is traditional to eat cold soups, such as gazpacho. While many prefer to abstain from any kind of non-vegetarian food, a few include fish in Good Friday dinner. This is when the Lohikeitto recipe comes in handy. This fish soup is appetising, comforting and easy to make. Some claim the soup tastes even better on the second day, but who can wait that long to indulge in this deliciousness? If you have any leftovers, don't worry - cooked Lohikeitto can be stored in the fridge for up to four days and reheated quickly on the stove. And for an extra kick, try using hot smoked salmon for an added depth of flavour.
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Chocolates
Chocolates have become a very significant part of celebrating the Easter season. Many indulge in chocolate treats from Good Friday itself. In the UK and Australia, chocolate eggs are consumed on Easter Sunday. Easter chocolate eggs are hollow chocolate eggs filled with smaller chocolates or your choice of sweet stuffing. It’s also a treat that is enjoyed by many, especially children. Families that observe Good Friday and Easter offer their kids these chocolate eggs, playing the role of the Easter bunny. Many different types of chocolate egg recipes have gone viral or have been created. Almost everyone is well acaaited with the Easter eggs. Other than that, different types of chocolate-infused recipes and dishes also appear on the table.
