Looking for some no-meat meals for Lent? I've got you! Here you'll find my favorite easy and delicious meatless meals that you can make for Lent this year.
If you're here, you probably already know what Lent is. But I'm going to give a brief overview anyway.
Lent is the 40 day period (not including Sundays) leading up to Easter.
It starts on a Wednesday, known as Ash Wednesday. Usually Catholics go to mass on Ash Wednesday and receive ashes on their heads to remember that we are all sinners.
This is a form of penance and a way to draw closer to God. By giving up something that is an indulgence or may be considered a sacrifice, we can more deeply rely on the Lord.
Usually this takes the form of giving up a bad habit or regular indulgence and committing to increased prayer time and giving.
There are tons of ways to get creative with what you do for Lent.
But overall, the goal is to grow closer to God. To become more like Him. And (ideally) to come out of Lent with better habits and faith practices.
What you do or give up for Lent is entirely up to your personal discernment.
You should pick things that will draw you closer to the Lord and push you further from sin.
I do just want to briefly present the idea of going plant-based for Lent.
Maybe you would consider giving up meat for the entirety of Lent as both an act of penance/sacrifice and a choice to better the world around you as well as yourself.
As I've written before, there are plenty of reasons why Catholics should eat plant-based. Including bodily health, care for creation, and more.
Taking a 40 day period to abstain from meat and other animal products might improve your health and open your heart to how you are impacting the world around you.
Even if you don't plan to go plant-based for all of Lent, you're at least going to need some meals for the Fridays. So, I've rounded up my favorite meals.
These no-meat meals are quick, easy, and healthy. They will leave you feeling good about the food you chose to put in your body.
Let's dive in!
Your meatless meals for Lent don't have to be complicated. These are family-friendly meals that you'll definitely enjoy.
Risotto! It's such a delicious dish. And it's really not that hard to make, even for beginners. Get some veggies in by adding some cooked mushrooms. You'll love this easy vegan risotto.
Dinner on a sheet pan. You won't be cleaning up tons of dishes after this one. All you need is a sheet pan! We're using tempeh - a block of fermented soybeans - to replace the meat. Don't worry though, there's tons of flavor and also lots of protein.
I love a good curry. This sweet potato coconut curry is a great no-meat meal. It's got veggies, protein, healthy carbohydrates and fat. Your whole family will love this dish. And it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Win!
You may have heard of chicken tinga. I took the classic tinga recipe and made it plant-based. Using tempeh as a meat-like substance I created these vegan chicken tinga tacos. Bring on taco Friday!
If pasta is a staple in your house, you'll love this vegan red sauce. It's like any red sauce with meat, except there are mushrooms and tempeh for a serving of veggies, protein, and fiber. Your family will love this meatless red sauce!
Stuffed sweet potatoes are so fun. You can make a bunch of stuffings and let each person create their own unique dish. Crispy chickpeas are perfect for this because they are crunchy and salty and delicious. Plus, they add fiber and protein to your dinner.
Grains, greens, and protein. Everything you need for a healthy dinner. This bowl is great to make with the intention of having leftovers. Make it on Friday and have meal prep for next week.
My secret to feeling full and satisfied with no-meat pasta dishes is to use a bean pasta. Chickpea pasta or lentil pasta are your friends. They pack in the protein. Add some veggies and you have a super healthy meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Swap your regular burger for these delicious black bean burgers. They're full of whole-food ingredients and they bake in the oven. Load 'em up with you favorite burger toppings!
This pad Thai is a staple in my house! It's full of peanut butter flavor and loaded with veggies. Whip out the bean-based pasta again for some extra protein or go classic with some rice noodles.
The key to a good taco is the spices. You'll love the flavor of these red lentil tacos because they use all the classic taco seasonings. No meat needed!
This is classic stew made vegan by swapping beef for jackfruit. Jackfruit is a fruit that has a texture of pulled pork. It doesn't have a strong flavor, so you just taste the delicious stew but have all the texture of meat.
Lentils are such a great protein source - they have a high percentage of protein and tons of fiber. This stew is not only protein rich but also super quick and easy to make. Like less than 30 minutes quick!
This is another staple for me. My potato leek soup is thick and creamy without any dairy. Make a batch of this 5-minute coconut bacon and get that salty, smoky bacon flavor to sprinkle on top!
Once the weather warms up, you might want to trade the hearty soups for a salad. This teriyaki mushroom tempeh salad is a lighter meal that's still high in protein and rich with veggies.
I hope you find some great healthy meals you can eat this Lent. Know of my prayers for you during this season.
P.S. All of the recipes on my blog are meatless! If you're looking for more inspo or other options, head over to the recipe section and browse all my no-meat meals.
a daughter of the Lord who eats lots of plants. I’m glad you’re here! On The Plant-Based Catholic I bring you nutritious, plant-based (vegan) recipes, explore the relationship between food and faith, and share my unique lifestyle.
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