The season of Lent is here! If you’re looking for some mouthwatering meat-free meals dinner ideas for Friday nights then this blog is perfect for you! Let us know which one is your favorite.
- Lentil soup: A hearty and nutritious soup that’s perfect for Lent. Here’s a simple recipe:
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions: In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the carrots, celery, lentils, broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Discard the bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Fish tacos: This is a great way to enjoy fish during Lent. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb. white fish (such as cod or tilapia), cut into strips
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 corn tortillas
- Shredded cabbage
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Lime wedges
Instructions: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Brush the fish with the mixture. Grill the fish for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Warm the tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side. Assemble the tacos with the fish, cabbage, salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Chickpea and vegetable stir-fry: This vegetarian dish is packed with protein and veggies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tsp. ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 1 tsp. sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions: In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the bell pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, and ginger. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add the chickpeas, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook until heated through. Serve over cooked rice.
- Grilled vegetable skewers: This is a colorful and flavorful way to enjoy vegetables. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 2 bell peppers, cut into chunks
- 2 zucchini, cut into rounds
- 8 cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the vegetables onto skewers. Mix together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brush the skewers with the mixture. Grill the skewers for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the vegetables are charred and tender.
- Mushroom risotto: This creamy and satisfying dish is perfect for a Lenten meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened. Add the arborio rice and stir to coat with the oil. Add the vegetable broth and white wine (if using) and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. In a separate pan, sauté the mushrooms until tender. Stir the mushrooms, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper into the rice. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
We would love to hear feedback on any of these Lenten recipes and perhaps which ones we should add to the menu for our meal delivery service. Be sure to keep an eye out for our latest chef-prepared meals for Sunday delivery. If you’re not already familiar with Mealbox by Chef Will Birge, we are a local food delivery service in Omaha, NE offering organic meal delivery and customizable meal plans. We are proud to be serving Omaha’s best gourmet meals delivered!