Try the Best Lent Recipes This Season

Lent season is here, and if you're looking for delicious and satisfying meals that fit the occasion, you're in the right place. Whether you're observing the tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays or just want to explore flavorful alternatives, these Lent recipes will keep your taste buds happy. 

From hearty fish dishes to vibrant vegetarian and vegan options, there's something here for everyone. Together, let’s dive in and discover some savory dishes for Lent.

Best Lent Recipes

Before we get into the recipes, let's quickly cover the basics. How long is Lent? It's a 40-day period of fasting, reflection, and prayer leading up to Easter. 

Many people choose to give up certain foods or habits as a form of sacrifice. A common tradition is avoiding meat on Fridays and opting for fish or plant-based meals instead. Okay, now that we’ve got that covered, let’s get cooking!

Delicious Fish Recipes for Lent

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

This simple yet elegant dish is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets

• 3 tbsp butter, melted

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp dried parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.

4. Brush the butter mixture over the salmon and season with salt and pepper.

5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily.

6. Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Crispy Fish Tacos with Slaw

Who doesn’t love tacos? These crispy fish tacos are a great way to enjoy Lent food with a fun twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb white fish (cod, tilapia, or halibut)

• 1 cup flour

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 2 cups shredded cabbage

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

• Corn tortillas

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Cut fish into strips. In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Dip fish into flour, then eggs, then coat with panko.

4. Place fish on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.

5. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lime juice, cabbage, and cilantro.

6. Serve crispy fish in warm tortillas, topped with slaw.

Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes for Lent

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta (Vegetarian)

Pasta is always a comforting choice, and this creamy tomato basil pasta is no exception.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.

2. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic.

3. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Stir in cream and fresh basil.

5. Toss pasta in the sauce and serve hot.

Chickpea and Spinach Stew (Vegan)

This hearty and nutritious stew is packed with protein and flavor, making it an ideal Lent recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 3 cups fresh spinach

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot and sauté onion and garlic until softened.

2. Add chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.

4. Serve hot with crusty bread or rice.

More Tasty Food for Lent

Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry (Vegan)

Lentils are a great source of protein and make a fantastic addition to a quick stir-fry.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked lentils

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 bell pepper, sliced

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 1 carrot, julienned

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan.

2. Add garlic, ginger, and vegetables. Stir-fry for 5 minutes.

3. Add lentils, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 3 minutes.

4. Serve over rice or quinoa.

Baked Eggplant Parmesan (Vegetarian)

A meatless twist on a classic favorite, this baked eggplant Parmesan is both crispy and cheesy.

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant, sliced

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup marinara sauce

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Dip eggplant slices in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, salt, and Italian seasoning.

3. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.

4. Remove from oven, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

5. Bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted.

Satisfying Meals That Fit the Season

Lent doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or variety. With these easy and delicious recipes for Lent, you can enjoy satisfying meals that fit the season. And, whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood, comforting vegetarian dishes, or hearty vegan options, there’s plenty to choose from. 

What do you say we try these Lent recipes and make our Fridays (and every day) more delicious? After you’ve given one or two a try, come back for more. There’s nothing better than changing with the seasons and embracing new ideas – especially when we do it together!