With everyone recovering from their Mardi Gras hangovers (both food and alcohol induced), we hope no one is giving up water and Advil for Lent. The 40 days (and nights) leading up to Easter is known as Lent and is observed by Catholics as a way to fast and abstain from the vices and worldly enjoyments that may take them from their faith or even concentration on living a pure life. Catholics are expected to “give up something” during Lent; it could be any number of things like diet soda, television, sex, smoking, alcohol, or social media.
One thing all Catholics must give up is meat on Fridays, considered a day of abstinence. Fish and vegetarian dishes become go-to meals during Lent. Fried fish sandwiches and cheese pizza seem to be standards of the Catholic diet during this time because they’re easy and accessible, especially if you’re used to a drive-thru menu.
Whether Meatless Monday or Meatless Friday, we say embrace it and use this as an opportunity to overhaul your dietary habits. Only good things can come of it, right?
We’re making the next seven Fridays a snap and planning the meals for you. These are seven of our most popular meatless and fish recipes for dinner.
Crunchy Oven Fried Fish – Cod tossed in breadcrumbs, cornmeal and a little seasoning is baked instead of fried for a crunchy meal that feels like fast-food but tastes so much better!
Fennel and Clam Soup – Prepare this in the morning and let simmer on low in a Crock Pot throughout the day and dinner is ready when you get home. White wine, fennel, leeks, garlic and clams come together for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Easy Grilled Fish Tacos – Grilling lightly seasoned halibut, this dish comes together quickly and easily and will satisfy a crowd on Friday night, especially if served with a homemade guacamole.
Slow-Cooker Mexican-Style Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers – A meatless meal that no one will ever recognize as missing meat, these peppers, stuffed with black beans, corn, and spices, will quickly become a family favorite.
Salmon Burger – This was our favorite recipe at the Biggest Loser Resort, and it will no doubt be yours, too. Combine salmon with parsley, roasted peppers, onions, and a vegennaise-nayonaise mixture for a perfect dinner.
Red Curry Quinoa – Get all the protein you need in this healthy grain, plus season it boldly with Thai red curry paste, mango, cashews, and cilantro for an unforgettable take-out-at-home meal.
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup – This soup by Ina Garten is one of our faves. Roast the tomatoes in the oven before adding to your stock pot full of broth, olive oil, onions, garlic, crushed red pepper, and fresh basil. Pair with a grilled cheese on quality bread and you’ve got a super satisfying meatless meal that feeds a crowd.