In Germany, as in other countries, the Easter season is marked by traditional dishes, cakes and confectionery. Here’s a collection of recipes for the most important days of Easter week, namely Maundy Thursday (Gründonnerstag), Good Friday (Karfreitag) and Easter Sunday (Ostersonntag).
Recipes for Maundy Thursday (Gründonnerstag)
Gründonnerstag is the Thursday before Easter, known as Maundy Thursday. It means “green Thursday,” although it is thought that the word “grün” is actually derived from the word “greinen” meaning to weep. However, despite there being nothing traditionally green about “green thursday”, Germans often eat green-colored foods such as herb soups.
Seven Herb Soup – Modern (Sieben Kräutersuppe )
A celebration of spring herbs that’s traditionally served in Germany on Maundy Thursday (Grendonnerstag), because of it’s splendid green color.
Seven Herb Soup – Traditional (Sieben Kräutersuppe )
Spring soup made with fresh herbs from the meadow, garden (or market) is a special treat of the Easter holiday, traditionally eaten on Gruendonnerstag (or Maundy Thursday).
Chervil Soup (Kerbelsuppe)
Despite there being nothing traditionally green about “Green Thursday,” Germans often eat green-colored foods such as herb soups like this one featuring chervil.
Eggs in Green Sauce (Eier in Grüner Sauce )
Hard boiled eggs with a green spring herb sauce, garnished with watercress. A perfect dish for Easter brunch.
Recipes for Good Friday (Karfreitag)
The Friday before Easter is known as Karfreitag (Good Friday in the US) or “Sorrowful Friday” and traditionally people eat fish for dinner with their family.
Fish Cakes with Green Sauce (Fischfrikadellen mit Grüner Sauce)
Two Easter eating traditions combine in this Good Friday entree of fish cakes in green sauce.
Salmon, Sauerkraut and Green Cabbage Stir-fry (Lachs mit Sauerkraut und Kohl aus der Pfanne)
Fish and sauerkraut is a popular combination in Germany, particularly using freshwater river and lake fish.
Recipes for Easter Sunday (Ostersonntag)
The main day of German Easter celebrations is Easter Sunday. For Christians it is a time for the whole family to get together to celebrate the resurrection and the end of the Lent with a festive meal. A more festive breakfast is often on the menu since families have more time to relax and enjoy a more leisurely brunch-type meal after the children have exhausted themselves looking for Ostereier from the Osterhase!
A traditional Easter meal consists of lamb, which represents innocence and humility, accompanied by fresh vegetables and potatoes. Festive cakes are, of course, also a staple ingredient for a Easter Sunday afternoon Kaffee und Kuchen.
Colorful Breakfast Eggs (Bunte Frühstückseier)
These baked eggs with genuine Black Forest ham, Emmentaler cheese, and cress are the perfect great brunch food.
Easter Bunny Brioches (Osterhasenbrioches)
Homemade brioche dough baked and decorated as colorful Easter bunnies – fun at an Easter brunch.
Roast Leg of Lamb with Juniper Berry Sauce (Lammkeule mit Wacholderbeerensauce)
A traditional roast leg of lamb with a juniper berry flavored gravy.
Brandenburg Lamb (Brandenburger Lammfleisch)
Brandenburg lamb is diced lamb with onions served with green beans and potatoes.
Colorful Easter Cake (Bunter Osterkuchen)
A festive spiced carrot cake decorated with marzipan Easter eggs and sugar flowers, perfect for Easter Sunday dessert.
Original Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich)
This buttery brioche cake is named ‘Bee Sting’ because it’s glazed with honey right before baking.
