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25th of March: A holy day for Greece!
On March 25th Greeks celebrate the beginning of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. The Greek Revolution was a successful war of independence waged by the Greek revolutionaries, between 1821 and 1830, after 400 years of slavery. Greek Independence Day is also celebrated in many countries around the world with large Greek populations, for an example the President of the United States declares a national day of celebration of Greek and American democracy on March 25.
Also, the country marks the great day of 25th of March with a Military Parade, national pride and general feeling of joy and of course with a special meal. The tradition is to eat a dish of codfish with garlic sauce, named in Greek “Bakaliaros Skordalia”. Greeks have a custom to eat it every year on March 25, but what is the history behind this habit?
During the strict 40y day fasting period is allowed only twice to eat fishes. One is on March 25th and the other on is on Palm Sunday, 7 days before the East. The reasons that established the codfish at the March 25th table were purely economic and practical. Because the hinterland could not buy fresh fish with the convenience of the islands and coastal areas, cod is a fish that could remain out of the refrigerator if it was salted and that was the best solution.
This recipe has not been promoted as much as any other Greek recipes, but it is one that has been in the Greek table for many years.
INGREDIENTS FOR FRIED COD
Firstly, in a pan with couple of frying oil that is already preheated you add the cod pieces and fry them on both sides until they have that red cover on both sides.
INGREDIENTS FOR SKORDALIA
First, cut the potatoes in small pieces and boil them until they became soft enough to be pinched with a fork and then leave them to cool down some minutes in a plate. In a blender, add the potatoes and the 4 cloves of garlic and start mixing them until they become mixed well. About 2 minutes later, add the bread, the vinegar, the olive oil and some salt and pepper. Lastly, close and continue mixing them with the blender until they are properly mixed, for approximately 2 more minutes.
The dish is ready to be served, in a particularly special day.
Happy national Independence Day everyone!
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