The best Greek Fast(ing) food - what Greeks eat during Lent

In Greek Orthodox tradition, there are several fasting periods throughout the year, which vary in length and strictness. Some of the major fasting periods include:

Great Lent: This is the most significant fasting period in the Orthodox Church and typically lasts for 40 days leading up to Easter (Pascha). It begins on Green  Monday and involves abstaining from certain foods such as meat, dairy, fish with backbone, oil, and wine (though specifics may vary).

Nativity Fast: Also known as Advent, this fasting period precedes Christmas and lasts for 40-50 days, beginning on November 15th (November 28th in some traditions) and ending on December 24th. Similar to Great Lent, certain foods are restricted during this time such as meat, dairy, oil and more.

Dormition Fast: This fast occurs in preparation for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (the falling asleep of the Virgin Mary) on August 15th. It typically lasts for two weeks.

Wednesdays and Fridays: Throughout the year (except during certain feast days), Wednesdays and Fridays are traditionally considered fasting days in the Orthodox Church, with varying degrees of abstention from meat, dairy, and sometimes oil and wine. This particular custom is falling out of favor in the modern world. Pity because, religious beliefs aside, it makes sense to hold off on animal products (and oil, maybe wine) at least a couple of times a week. You can try this out yourself - go Greek for a week and let us know how it goes! 

It's important to note that the specifics of fasting practices can vary between different Orthodox jurisdictions and individual adherence may also vary among believers. But whenever you fast and whatever your religious beliefs, here are some tasty Greek options to try within your own lent/fasting rituals.

Greek Orthodox Fasting - What to eat

During Greek Orthodox fasting periods, Greeks turn to a wide variety of plant-based, seafood, legume and vegetable dishes that are flavorful and satisfying while adhering to fasting guidelines. Here are some popular food alternatives and common dishes enjoyed during Great Lent, the Nativity Fast, and other fasting periods:

Lentil Soup (Fakes) is a Greek staple during fasting. Lentils are simmered with onions, garlic, and sometimes bay leaves for a simple but nourishing dish.

It may be worth mentioning that in Greece this dish is rarely a soup per se - more like a stew. It is made with any type of lentil, bearing in mind that not all lentils appeal to all audiences. In Greece lentil soup is usually made with green or brown lentils, but some people (especially kids) may find red lentil flavor more palatable. It's up to you. We love them all! You can  learn more about the miraculous Mediterranean lentil soup here.

Gemista (Stuffed Tomatoes and Peppers) - Bell peppers and tomatoes are stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes pine nuts or raisins for extra flavor. We love stuffed zucchini too! 

Seafood - that's shellfish and spineless sea critters like Calamari (squid), Octopus, and Shrimp! Yes, unlike red meat, many types of seafood are permitted on certain fasting days. Octopus stewed in wine or grilled calamari are popular options.

Chickpea Salad: A lovely salad made from chickpeas, roasted red peppers, red onion, tomato, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and fresh parsley. Chickpeas are satisfying, nutritious and very kind to your body. 

Lagana Bread and Taramosalata - Lagana is a flatbread traditionally served at the beginning of Lent, especially on Green Monday. It's often paired with taramosalata (a pink dip made from fish roe) to add a flavorful punch without breaking fasting rules.

Hummus and Melitzanosalata (Eggplant Dip): Hummus, made from chickpeas, and melitzanosalata, an eggplant dip, are both fasting-friendly options enjoyed with pita bread or vegetable sticks.

Tahini Dip: Tahini is a creamy and rich dip, a bit more popular during lent in Cyprus than in Greece. It is similar to hummus but made from ground sesame seeds, lemon juice and garlic. It's a delicious accompaniment to pita bread, vegetable sticks, or as a topping for roasted veggies.

Fava (Yellow Split Pea Dip) is a creamy spread made from yellow split peas, garlic, and olive oil (often added on non-oil fasting days) and served with bread or pita.

Related article: Vegan Greek food? Yes please!

Tasty, healthy and clean - these dishes provide ample nutrition and flavor, reflecting Greece's rich culinary heritage even during fasting periods. The variety of legumes, grains, vegetables, and seafood available allows for a well-rounded diet that aligns with Orthodox fasting traditions without sacrificing taste. One thing's for sure - no one in Greece goes hungry or cranky during lent with these flavorful, satisfying choices on hand!

Enjoy!