The Orthodox Church celebrates Saint Phanourios each year on 27 August.
According to tradition, Saint Phanourios helps believers recover lost items and offers assistance during difficult times. His veneration is particularly widespread in Greece and Cyprus, while the island of Rhodes is closely linked to his tradition.
The phanouropita is a simple fasting cake, typically made with orange, cinnamon, raisins and nuts. Families prepare it as an offering and bring it to church as an act of thanksgiving or in fulfilment of a vow.
Traditional Phanouropita
Ingredients
- 500g self-raising flour
- 1 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1½ cups orange juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 cup roughly chopped walnuts (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
Method
Preheat the oven to 170°C.
In a large bowl, mix the oil and sugar, then add the orange juice and orange zest.
Add the cinnamon and cloves. Gradually incorporate the flour, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
Fold in the raisins and walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Grease and flour a 26-28cm round baking tin, pour in the mixture and smooth the surface.
Bake for approximately 45-55 minutes, until the cake is golden brown and a knife or skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the tin.
If desired, dust with icing sugar and a little cinnamon before serving.
