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The menu on the day after Shrovetide includes vegetarian dishes and desserts for detoxification from the rich meals of the previous day.

The type of dishes can be found below.

Clean Monday is the first day of Easter Lent, which continues until Holy Saturday. On this day we start preparing to cleanse our soul and body by Easter.

In some parts of Greece, on Clean Monday housewives "clear" what is left from the Lent dishes and paint the sidewalks in white.

Meatless dishes on Clean Monday

Dishes on this day are often eaten out of town and include vegetarian meals and desserts which should cleanse the body from overeating the day before, as well as "Lagana" - traditional bread without yeast. This fresh sesame bread has existed for centuries and is made by bakers in every neighbourhood.

Tarama

“Tarama” or roe-spread is made of red roe from cod or carp and is considered the best roe. You will find two more types of roe-spread: white roe-spread, which is considered inferior, and roe-spread with a strong pink colour. Traditional tarama recipes include tarama salad and tarama balls.

Halva

Halva, and especially tahini halva is one of the most important desserts during Lent. It is sold in the form of a rectangular block, plain, or with chocolate and nuts. Despite the calories, its nutritional value is very high, especially the nutritional value of sesame halva, since it is made of calorie-laden but useful tahini, which is rich in vegetable protein, calcium and plant fiber.

Pickle

Vegetable pickle is eaten on Clean Monday. It is prepared from peppers, cabbage, artichokes, cucumbers, carrots, cauliflower and small onions.

Olives

Olives have a major role on the table during Lent. There are various types: black or green olives in brine, vinegar or olive oil. They are an important element of the Mediterranean diet and a source of monounsaturated fatty acids plus they contain no cholesterol at all. They are a rich source of antioxidants such as selenium and zinc and help the body fight against free radicals.

Seafood

Seafood is typical on this day. Various types of clams, prawn and shrimp, squid, octopus and cuttlefish are served on the table. They are a rich source of protein, low in fat, and prepared in a variety of recipes, raw and cooked.

Legumes

Legumes, such as beans, lentils and chickpeas are the perfect choice for the fast. On Clean Monday, they are cooked without olive oil and are often added to salads. Legumes are rich in protein, iron and fiber. They also reduce cholesterol and cleanse the intestines and heart.

Enjoy the fast!