Easter meals from around the world
Get into the Easter spirit by trying a meal from a different country.
Easter is a time for family and friends, but with good company comes the time for good food.
With Easter upon us, here are some meals which are enjoyed across the world in celebration of the day:
Hot Cross Buns:
Traditionally eaten in the United Kingdom during Easter time, the buns are flecked with currants or raisins and have a cross etched or frosted along the top.
Many believe the tradition was started by the Anglo-Saxons, who crossed the buns to honour the four quarters of the moon. Now the cross is widely used to symbolize Jesus’ crucifixion.
Paskha:
Paskha means “Easter” in Russian, but it is also the name of this traditional Easter dessert.
Made primarily of cream cheese and cottage cheese, it’s speckled with dried fruit, moulded into a pyramid shape and stamped with the letters “XB,” which stand for “Christ has risen” in Cyrillic script.
Red or Green Easter Eggs
The Easter custom of dyeing eggs (symbolic of rebirth and thus the resurrection) goes beyond DIY crafts. In Greece, eggs are dyed red to represent the blood of Christ; in Germany, eggs are dyed green and exchanged on Holy Thursday, when other green foods, like veggies, are consumed, as well.
Paçoca de Amendoim
More commonly referred to as just “Paçoca” this Brazilian Easter treat is made of crushed peanuts, sugar and cassava flour.
Colomba Pasquale
Made of natural yeast, butter, flour, sugar and eggs, this traditional Easter loaf, commonly served throughout Italy, is known for its panettone-like flavour and distinct shape: a dove, which represents peace or Christ. Before being baked, the bread is coated with almonds and coarse sugar.
Herring
In Scandinavia, this salt-water fish is enjoyed in one of many preparations: pickled, raw or cured.
Traditionally, the delicacy is served on a bun or alongside rye bread, potatoes, sour cream and akvavit, a special-occasion Schnapps.
