Vegan Diet, Lent and Fasting

Many people follow a Vegan diet now, and groceries and markets have a lot of Vegan products to offer these days. Vegans are vegetarian, but they also do not eat eggs, dairy products and honey.  A Vegan diet is similar to the diet many Greek Orthodox follow during the Lenten season.

Greek Orthodox Lent began on Monday, March 2nd this year. That is 5 weeks before Holy Week, the week before Orthodox Easter on April 12th. Many Greek Orthodox who follow a strict fast during Lent abstain from meat, fish and dairy products. On some certain days of Lent, fish, shellfish, wine, and olive oil may be eaten.

I have decided to give up red meat, sweets, and sugar for Lent. The most difficult part has been avoiding sweets and sugar.  Sugar is hidden in almost all ready-to-eat prepared foods. So the best way to abstain from sugar is to make all your meals homemade.

My recipe for Lentil Soup can be adapted for strict fasting (don’t use olive oil) and Vegan diets. I also found this Greek Rice Pilaf with Leeks and Saffron recipe from Chef Diane Kochilas’ site. I am definitely going to try it.

Vegan Diet Lent Fasting banner 2015

 

Kouzina – Greek Street Food in Royal Oak

Kouzina Last night Yianni and I visited Kouzina | GREEK STREET FOOD in downtown Royal Oak. The stainless steel prep area is shining clean and the service is fast and friendly.

Kouzina - Greek Street FoodWe tried quite a few items on the menu: Avgolemono soup, Vegetarian Lentil soup, Greek salad, Gyro Bowl, Greek Gyro and Hand Cut Fries with Feta cheese.

Gyro
Everything was delicious and the portions were ample. Also on the menu was spinach pie.  I spotted a tray of baklava of which I managed not to succumb, although not an easy task.

Fries & FetaOwners Bobby Laskaris, George Xenos, along with Chef Panagiotis, bring the street food of Athens to the streets of Royal Oak. Definitely worth a visit. [You may never go to Olga’s again.]

Kouzina also caters, offering Greek soup, appetizers, entrees and desserts for occasions of 10 to 100 guests. Kouzina will deliver & set up. Find them on  Facebook and Twitter.

Kouzina | GREEK STREET FOOD
121 N. Main Street
Royal Oak,MI 48067
(248) 629-6500