Easter is a time of celebration across the globe, and many cultures feature vibrant vegetarian dishes as part of their festive tables. Here are five traditional vegetarian Easter recipes from different countries, each bringing its own story and flavour to your celebration.
Spanakopita (Greece)
Spanakopita is a beloved Greek spinach and feta pie, often found on Easter tables. Flaky layers of filo pastry encase a savoury filling of spinach, feta cheese, scallions, and fresh herbs. This dish is perfect as a main or a side and can be made ahead for easy entertaining. Its golden, crispy exterior and creamy, herby interior make it a crowd-pleaser for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
Spanakopita is a staple at Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations and family gatherings. It symbolises warmth, family, and abundance, reflecting the joy of breaking the Lenten fast with nourishing, locally sourced ingredients. The pie’s hearty filling provided sustenance during fasting periods and became a celebratory dish for Easter feasts, embodying Greek resilience and resourcefulness.
Try this recipe by My Sweet Greek.
Hot Cross Buns (United Kingdom)
Hot Cross Buns are sweet, spiced yeast buns marked with a symbolic cross on top. Traditionally enjoyed on Good Friday, these buns are studded with currants or raisins and flavoured with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Served warm with butter, they are a quintessential Easter treat in the UK, as well as in Australia and New Zealand.
Hot Cross Buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday to symbolise the crucifixion of Jesus. The cross on the bun represents the cross on which Jesus died, while the spices inside are said to represent the spices used to embalm him. The buns have both Christian symbolism and pre-Christian origins linked to the Germanic goddess Eostre, celebrating rebirth and fertility in spring.
Try this recipe by Paul Hollywood.
Stuffed Artichokes (Italy)
Italian Stuffed Artichokes are a classic, comforting dish made by preparing large globe artichokes that are trimmed, cleaned, and stuffed with an irresistible mixture of Italian breadcrumbs, garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Stuffed artichokes are associated with Easter in Italy because artichokes are a spring vegetable symbolising renewal and fertility. They are traditionally prepared during Easter to celebrate the arrival of fresh seasonal produce after the austerity of Lent. The dish’s hearty yet meatless nature fits well with Lenten fasting practices and the joyful feasting of Easter.
Try this recipe from Cucina by Elena.
Paska Bread (Eastern Europe)
Paska is a beautifully braided, slightly sweet bread enjoyed across Central and Eastern Europe at Easter. Made with flour, eggs, butter, and sometimes raisins, it’s often decorated with symbolic shapes or braids. Paska bread is enjoyed with butter, jam, or sweetened cheese, making it a festive centrepiece for any vegetarian Easter spread.
Paska bread is a traditional Easter bread in many Eastern European countries, symbolising the resurrection of Christ and new life. The braids and decorations often represent religious symbols, and the bread is blessed during Easter services before being shared among family and friends as a sign of unity and celebration.
Try this recipe from Momsdish.
Vegetable Biryani (India)
In India a special vegetarian biryani is often served for Easter. This aromatic rice dish is layered with spiced vegetables such as carrots, peas, potatoes, and beans, along with fragrant basmati rice, saffron, and fried onions. It’s a celebratory dish that brings colour and flavour to the Easter table, and can be served with raita and pickles for a complete meal.
In Indian Christian communities, especially in Kerala and Goa, biryani is a festive dish symbolising togetherness and celebration. While traditionally meat-based, vegetarian biryani is popular during Lent and Easter as a tasty, elaborate dish that marks the end of fasting and the joy of feasting with family. Biryani’s communal preparation and rich flavours embody the spirit of unity and festivity during Easter.
Try this recipe by Meera Sodha.
These vegetarian dishes not only bring delicious flavours to Easter tables around the world but also carry meaningful traditions that connect families to the spiritual and cultural essence of the celebrations.
