Vicki's Travel Journals

Traditional Easter Feast. Ecuadorian Style

Australia | Wednesday, April 3, 2013 | flickr photos

In the week before Easter, all over Ecuador, in every kitchen, families come together to prepare the traditional Easter Feast of Fanesca. After the 40 days of fasting, personal sacrifices and restraints of Lent, the preparation and consumption of this deliciously rich banquet is a truly joyous social experience.
Fanesca is a rich thick creamy soup made from 12 cereals and legumes. Each grain in the soup represents one of the 12 apostles of Jesus. Fanesca is served with an assortment of garnishes: banana fritters, empanadas, boiled eggs, smoked cod, and croutons, to name a few. Very Delicious.
Molo de Papa, follows the soup. This scrumptious mash of potatoes, fried onions, and spices is served with fresh crisp salads like iceberg lettuce, spring onions and grated carrots. The flavours and texture of this wonderful dish is really like a party in your mouth, yum.
After those two delectably rich courses, a marvellous selection of desserts is offered. My favourite is the Hugo con Queso, stewed, candied figs in syrup with cheese. Also served are Arroz con leche which is a milky rice pudding with rasins. and other various combinations of stewed fruit cocktails.