Hi everyone! It’s that time of year again if you are Catholic you are supposed to restrict meat…. (okay I’m a little late with this post since Lent is basically half over but at this point most of us are sick of fish fry food, right?!) Typically I don’t believe in any dietary restrictions unless medically necessary but religious/cultural restrictions can certainly be okay too. Something as simple at not eating meat for a day is easy for me since I generally eat mostly plant based with a sprinkle of chicken, bacon, or burgers here and there. Since I know I have a lot of meat loving Catholic friends I thought it would be great to share a round up to help inspire some new recipes ideas. Side note: if cutting meat out for one day is something that is going to trigger disordered behaviors or a diet mentality but you feel morally obligated- talk your priest about it. Mental health and wellness are important so I’m sure they will give you the green light to eat whatever you want (I certainly give you the a-okay).
Okay… so like I said, finding meat free dinner options during Lent is not a big challenge for me since a share a great deal of vegetarian and meat free entrees but I will highlight some of my favs here! Warning: some of this food photography is 3+ years old and not my best work (not that I’m an amazing food photographer now) but don’t let those photos deter you!
Salads:
My favorite salad recipe ever <3 I tend to do salads more at lunch than dinner but this is a great option to please a crowd. Feel free to add tuna or chickpeas for some extra protein.
Leafy greens and sweet potatoes are perfect for these last (hopefully) winter days. Top with quinoa or another whole grain for some extra staying power.
Fish Dishes:
Salmon and Veggie Panzanella Salad
Salmon is my favorite fish and I can’t stop devouring it when it’s smoked. Seriously nothing is more delicious. A great meat free option during Lent is breakfast for dinner- whether it’s smoked salmon and bagels with eggs with pancakes.
These are perfect for serving along with your favorite veggies and grain, and topping with your favorite sauce- BBQ, Teriyaki, Pesto, etc.
Pasta:
One of my favorite vegetarian dinner options is usually just piling together veggies and sauce. This dish feels a little bit more spring and is definitely packing lots of flavor thanks to a delicious cilantro vinaigrette.
Dairy Free Lemon Pistachio Cream Sauce (on pasta)
With protein and healthy fat coming from the pistachios this sauce is super hearty and great option to pair on pasta alone or add to some fish.
Creamy Tahini Pasta with Veggies
Honestly one of my favorite sauces and ways to use up leftover veggies from the week aka perfect for a Friday during lent!
Miscellaneous:
Rice and Corn Cakes with Sweet Red Pepper Sauce
I developed this recipe last summer for a client and really enjoyed the sweetness of the sauce (and the fact you can make a huge batch of the cakes and freeze them easily). If sweeter sauces aren’t your jam, use plain yogurt and add more hot sauce.
Easily interchangeable with your favorite veggies or spice mixtures. Bonus: Super easy clean up!
Grain veggie bowls like these are my some of my favorite meals. I shared a similar bowl last month with a curry sauce if you want to mix it up a bit!
Asian options: The other day on Instagram stories I mentioned how I always get tofu in Asian stir fry dishes, so I figured I would share these options as well even thought the pictures aren’t the greatest the taste is great! Thai Stir Fry OR Peanut Butter Stir Fry OR Asian Tofu Stir Fry. Tofu or Shrimp can be used in all of the dishes.
What are some of your favorite meat free meals to eat during lent??
