March 25th - Greek Independence Day and the Annunciation.

25th of March is a double holiday celebration in the Greek calendar. Not only are Greeks celebrating the bicentenary 1821 - 2021 of Greek independence but it is also Annunciation.

This is a special day in the Lent tradition that was established in the 4th century AD. Greek Orthodox Christians may have to fast, reflect and pray during Lent but the Annunciation of Virgin Mary - Evangelismos ( the announcement of Jesus' conception by an angel) is a joyful occasion and therefore the holy fathers allow the consumption of fish as well as oil and wine.

Greeks traditionally eat Bakaliaros (salted cod fish), beetroot and garlic sauce.

Planning this feast is important as the large fish fillets which have been salted in wooden barrels or hessian sacks need to be soaked in advance.

The reason the cod is salted and not fresh is purely economical as it is cheap and available by any weather and in all regions, not only the coastal ones. It is also known as 'The Greek Mountain Fish ' as the cod preserved in salt (which can be stored outside of a refrigerator) was ideal for mountain villages when there were no refrigerated trucks to transport fish.

The cod desalination process lasts 24 - 48 hours. The salt is rubbed away from the fish under running water. The fish is placed in a container of cold water, changing the water every 4-6 hours. Once the fish is desalted, its patted dry with kitchen towel and then it is ready to cook; either fried or baked.

The fish is traditionally battered and served with beetroot; a plentiful seasonal vegetable in March and skordalia; a garlic sauce which is more like a very strong garlic potato mash.

Our Greek neighbour had presented us with her family meal of cod baked in the oven with potatoes. The garlic mash was packaged separately as she knows Maverick cannot eat garlic.