March 25^th is a double national holiday of Greece, marking a special day of both religious and political events. It’s a spiritual day dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Annunciation of the Theotokos, when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would bear a child. It’s also a day that marks the start of the War of Greek Independence when the Greeks demanded their independence after living in centuries under the Ottoman Empire. It’s a day of joyous gatherings and celebration. On March 25^th, Greeks will fill the streets for parades to celebrate the historic day and blue and white flags will raise proudly from their hands.

Such a day calls for a big feast day in the Greek Orthodox Church and Greek dinner tables. Although the day falls during Great Lent, where one must abstain from meat, eggs, dairy products, fish, wine and oil, there has been an exception to that rule. On this day, as well as Palm Sunday, the church permits fish to be consumed. The most popular catch is bakaliaros (cod) to make a spectacular meal, bakaliaros skordalia (fried cod and garlic sauce).

The cod used for the dish is typically salt cod, which must be soaked in water for at least 24 hours in order to extract the salt. If short on time or patience, fresh cod can also be used right away. When ready, the fish is dipped into a lightly spiced beer batter and submerged into hot oil. The result will be light and crunchy pieces of cod. To go along with the cod is skordalia, a garlic sauce that pairs perfectly well with the fish. Together, it’s a delicious reminder of the triumph of March 25^th.