Meatless Meal Ideas for Lent

If you're anything like me, you accidentally make meatless meals all the time, but when it comes to Fridays during Lent, suddenly every dish you can think of contains meat. I've compiled a few meal ideas below if you're in the same predicament.

Soup

A warm, comforting bowl of soup is a great option on Fridays during lent. Many soups are meatless but still filling. Pea soup is a breeze to make and has plenty of protein . Potato and broccoli soup are also great options.

Pretzels

Homemade pretzels are a great accompaniment to soup. We also love to eat them when fasting (like on Good Friday and Ash Wednesday), as one of our two small meals that doesn't add up to a full meal.  Find my soft pretzel recipe here.

French Onion Galette

This recipe turns a comforting soup into a delicious pastry. Complete with gooey cheese and a buttery crust, it's a delicious meatless option.

Fish Sandwiches

This recipe uses frozen breaded fish as a shortcut to delicious and easy fish sandwiches. This is a very filling option that comes together quickly. My favourite breaded fish are in the freezer section at Costco.

Pasta

Many pasta dishes are meatless, or can easily be made so. Try this feta tomato recipe for a quick, easy and delicious sauce. Seafood pastas are another great option. Think shrimp linguine, salmon with orzo, or oyster pasta.

Root Vegetable Hash

This everything-but-the-kitchen-sink hash is a great way to use up root vegetables and squashes. Throw whatever you have together and add cheese. Just don't add any meat from your kitchen sink. ;) Here's my recipe.

Tarta de Queso

Buttery, flaky pie crust, ooey gooey cheese and a sprinkle of sugar: a match made in Heaven. It's a few simple ingredients, easy to make, and delicious. What's not to love?

Arroz con Leche

This is traditionally served as a dessert, but every once in a while we eat it right after it's made, for dinner. It's like a hot cereal. Delicious, creamy and comforting (and meatless!).

Bruschetta

This sweet balsalmic bruschetta is delicious. It is great paired with pizza, pasta, fish, or enjoyed on its own!

Peanut Noodles

Peanut noodles are quick and easy to make. They're great on their own or served with salmon.

Fish

Any seafood is a great Friday option. A family favourite is pecan crusted salmon. Mix together equal parts of dijon and honey mustard, brush over salmon. Top with crushed pecans and melted butter. Bake at 325 for 20 minutes. Don't forget canned tuna and salmon! In a pinch you can always throw together tuna salad or salmon patties.

Empanadas

Empanadas are a classic Argentine dish. They're yummy little hand pies that can be filled with just about anything. For Lent, stick to cheese, vegetables, mushrooms or caramelized onions. Find the recipe here.

Pizza

We have friends who order pizza every Friday during Lent. It's a great, easy option. If you want to try making your own, I highly recommend following Vito Iacopelli's crust recipe. If you want to try a unique Argentinian pizza, I have a recipe for pizza with hearts of palm.

Asparagus Tart

This is another simple recipe thanks to frozen puff pastry. Due to the bright green hue from cooked asparagus, it's also a great Easter appetizer. Get the recipe.

Strawberry Shortcake

This is another dessert we occasionally (read ~frequently~) eat for dinner. Homemade biscuits topped with freshly whipped cream and juicy strawberries- it's a delicious, fun dinner. Here's my recipe.