On March 25th, Greeks worldwide will be celebrating Independence Day, a significant occasion that holds deep historical and cultural meaning. And what’s a Greek celebration without delicious, traditional food?
Independence Day is a time for families to come together, watch the grand military parades in the morning, and enjoy a hearty meal afterwards. The iconic dish that’s commonly enjoyed on the day is salted, battered, and fried cod paired with ‘skordalia,’ a beloved Greek garlic and potato sauce. This classic dish, known as ‘Bakaliaros Skordalia,’ is often served alongside a boiled beetroot salad and battered and fried vegetables like aubergines and courgettes. Scroll down and try our Skordalia recipe, you’ll love it!
A little bit about Greek Independence Day: it commemorates the start of the War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire, a victorious struggle waged by Greek revolutionaries from 1821 to 1830. Additionally, the day also celebrates the Feast of the Annunciation, marking the angel Gabriel’s announcement to the Virgin Mary of her divine pregnancy.
Religiously, Greeks observe the great Lent during this period, the strictest fasting period for the Orthodox Church. However, there are exceptions allowing the consumption of fish, including on March 25th to celebrate the Annunciation and on Palm Sunday. Salted cod became a staple dish for this occasion, as it was readily available and easy to preserve across Greece.
March 25th is also marked by grand military parades in Athens and Thessaloniki, attended by dignitaries, armed service personnel, and marching bands. Similar celebrations take place in Greek communities worldwide, including in cities like New York, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Overall, March 25th is a day filled with pride, joy, and a sense of unity among loved ones, enjoyed over sumptuous feasts. We invite everyone to join us at The Real Greek to taste our delicious Salt Cod and celebrate this important day together!
Skordalia is a traditional Greek sauce or dip that’s known for its rich, garlicky flavor. It’s typically made with mashed potatoes or bread, garlic, olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and sometimes nuts like almonds or walnuts. Skordalia is often served as an accompaniment to fish, vegetables, or meat dishes, adding a deliciously creamy and tangy element to the meal.
Here’s a cherished family skordalia recipe for all the garlic lovers!
Ingredients:
– 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
– 6-8 garlic cloves, minced (adjust to taste)
– 120ml extra virgin olive oil
– 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– Salt to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions:
1. Boil the potato chunks in a pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. While the potatoes are boiling, mince the garlic cloves.
3. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
4. Mash the potatoes while they’re still warm until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the minced garlic to the mashed potatoes and mix well.
6. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to mix until it’s fully incorporated and the skordalia is smooth.
7. Stir in the white wine vinegar and season with salt to taste. Adjust the amount of garlic or vinegar if needed.
8. Transfer the skordalia to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
9. Serve the skordalia as a side dish or dip with your favorite Greek meals.
Enjoy your homemade skordalia, καλή όρεξη! (kalí óreksi – bon appétit!)”
