Red eggs are perhaps the brightest symbol of Greek Easter, representing the blood of Christ and rebirth.
Kokkina Paschalina Avga are traditionally dyed on Holy Thursday.
Here is a simple method that will leave your eggs shiny and bright!
Ingredients →
- 1 x sachet Greek red food dye
- 2 x L (8 cups) warm water
- 1/2 cup (125ml) white vinegar
- 12 x eggs
- pinch of salt
- oil (for polishing)
Method →
- Combine dye, one cup of the measured warm water and the vinegar in a glass jug or bowl and stir to dissolve the dye. Add the dye mixture to a large saucepan with the remaining water and pinch of salt.
- Wash the eggs well in cool water and add them to the saucepan in a single layer (or cook in two batches if necessary - if eggs are crowded in the pan they will not colour evenly). Stir occasionally and very gently. Bring water to the boil. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, then gently remove the eggs and place under cool water.
- Polish the eggs with paper cloth and olive oil.
Here are some tips that will leave your eggs shiny & bright:
-When boiling the eggs make sure they are at Room Temperature
-Start boiling with cold water- shells are less likely to crack
-Fresh eggs are always best
-Add a pinch of salt in the water, as it will make them easier to peel
-Stir gently a few times while boiling, careful not to crack them
-As soon as eggs are boiled, place them under running cold water
-For a vibrant red, don’t forget to add vinegar whilst boiling
-Give shine to your red Greek Easter eggs by wiping them with a paper towel & olive oil
Red represents blood Christ shed on the Holy Cross & eggs represent resurrection & promise of everlasting life!
Kali Anastasi!
