10 Unconventional Easter Recipes from Around the World

Easter is celebrated across the globe with diverse culinary traditions that go far beyond the typical ham and chocolate bunnies.

If you’re looking to infuse your Easter meal with a bit of international flair, this curated list of unconventional recipes will take you on a delicious journey through different cultures.

From savoury to sweet, these dishes promise an Easter celebration that your taste buds will remember…

1. Tsoureki (Greece): Tsoureki is a traditional Greek Easter bread that’s sweet, fluffy, and infused with the enchanting flavours of orange zest and mahlab, a spice made from cherry pits. This braided bread is not only a treat for the palate but also a stunning centrepiece for your Easter table, often decorated with red-dyed eggs symbolising the blood of Christ.

2. Fanesca (Ecuador): Fanesca is a rich, hearty soup that’s traditionally prepared only during Easter in Ecuador. It’s made with 12 different kinds of beans and grains, representing the 12 apostles, and is enriched with salt cod, pumpkin, and milk. This symbolic dish is a labour of love that offers a taste of Ecuadorian history and tradition.

3. Pashka (Russia): Pashka is a festive Russian Easter dessert with a creamy, cheesecake-like texture. Made from farmer’s cheese (tvorog), heavy cream, and eggs, it’s often studded with dried fruits and nuts. Moulded into a pyramid shape and adorned with the letters XB (Christos Voskrese, meaning “Christ has risen”), Pashka is a joyous end to the Lenten fast.

4. Pinca (Croatia): Pinca, also known as Sirnica, is a Croatian Easter sweet bread that’s citrusy and light, with a golden brown, sugar-crusted top. The dough is enriched with eggs and butter, then flavoured with lemon and orange zest, sometimes with a touch of dark rum or brandy, making it a fragrant addition to your Easter spread.

5. Capirotada (Mexico): Capirotada is a Mexican bread pudding traditionally eaten during Lent and Easter. This unique dessert is made with layers of bolillo bread, cheese, dried fruits, and nuts, soaked in a cinnamon-infused piloncillo syrup. Each ingredient carries religious significance, and the dish is a melting pot of flavours that symbolises the suffering and joy of the Easter story.

6. Babka Wielkanocna (Poland): Babka Wielkanocna is a Polish Easter cake that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. This sweet yeast cake often features a hint of citrus zest and is baked in a Bundt-like mould to give it its distinctive shape. Drizzled with a light icing and sometimes topped with candied fruit or nuts and other decorations, it’s a festive treat that captures the spirit of the Polish Easter celebration.

7. Fiadone (Italy): Fiadone is an Italian Easter dessert hailing from the regions of Abruzzo and Molise. This ricotta cheese tart is subtly flavoured with lemon zest and sometimes a splash of liqueur. The result is a creamy, indulgent dessert that’s not too sweet and perfect for concluding an Easter feast.

8. Kulich (Russia): Kulich is a traditional Russian Easter bread that’s tall, cylindrical, and often compared to panettone. Laden with dried fruits and nuts, this bread is typically blessed at church before being enjoyed at home. Topped with a sweet glaze and colourful sprinkles, Kulich is a celebratory food that’s both symbolic and satisfying.

9. Schinken im Brotteig (Switzerland): Schinken im Brotteig, which translates to “ham in bread dough,” is a Swiss Easter specialty. A whole ham is wrapped in a seasoned bread dough and baked until the crust is crisp and golden. When sliced, the tender, flavourful ham is revealed, encased in its own edible serving dish, making for a show-stopping main course.

10. Mämmi (Finland): Mämmi is a traditional Finnish Easter dessert with a unique appearance and taste. Made from rye flour, molasses, and powdered orange zest, this pudding-like dish is slow-baked to develop its characteristic dark colour and earthy flavor. Served with a dollop of cream and a sprinkle of sugar, Mämmi is a Finnish tradition that dates back centuries.

Each of these Easter recipes from around the world offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Easter celebrations. By trying one (or several) of these dishes, you can bring the flavours of international Easter traditions right into your own kitchen.