With the start of Lent, you may be getting ready to give up meat on Fridays until Easter. While this may not sound complicated, it can be a challenge for busy families if you're not prepared with some crowd-pleasing meat-free recipes. Don't fret, though-just bookmark this collection of hearty lent-friendly meals that are so good, you'll want to cook them year-round.
1. Porcini Mushroom Risotto
While nutty-tasting farro is wheat and not rice, it has the proper texture to make a nice risotto and actually saves you some stirring. This rich and earthy recipe combines the healthy grain with wild mushrooms, shallots, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Quick Tuna Tacos
Fish tacos are a family favorite that you'll want to add to your weekday meal rotation even after Lent is over. You use canned fish for these easy, 10-minute tuna tacos, making it an excellent recipe for busy days, a quick lunch, or a lighter dinner.
3. Asparagus Ricotta Spring Pasta
Enjoy the bright, green flavor of seasonal asparagus in this creamy pasta dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes. Ricotta cheese adds richness to the dish with lemon juice and zest adding zing. Parmesan and black pepper are also added before serving for a restaurant-style presentation.
4. Vegetarian Breakfast Burritos
Make Friday breakfasts during Lent something to get excited about with these easy vegetarian burritos. All you need is some leftover rice, a can of beans, and a few Mexican spices to make tasty breakfast wraps that give you plenty of energy.
5. Cauliflower Fried Rice
Cauliflower fried rice is a nutritious homemade alternative to take-out food during Lent and a great choice when you're craving a satisfying meatless meal. Prep all your ingredients for the stir-fry ahead of time for a tasty dish that comes together quickly in the pan.
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Adults and kids alike will rave about this amazing grilled cheese. With only three ingredients, it may just be the best melted cheese sandwich ever and is the perfect meat-free choice for Lent Friday lunches.
7. Simple Lemon Garlic Shrimp With Rice
When guests are coming for dinner during Lent and time is short, this delicious recipe will save the day. Simple yet elegant, the lemon garlic shrimp with rice cooks in only 15 minutes and requires just a handful of ingredients, but tastes special enough to impress company.
8. Crockpot Lentil Soup
Crockpot lentil soup is a fabulous lunchtime recipe for those drizzly spring days when you need something to warm up stomachs. The filling, comforting vegetarian soup is also inexpensive, full of protein, and simple to prepare using your trusty slow cooker.
9. Fish and Chips
Your family will cheer when you serve fish and chips for dinner! Use your favorite fillets for this tasty battered fish dish that comes with easy homemade potato wedges. Serve with lemons, tartar sauce, and coleslaw on the side.
10. Salmon Burgers
These pan-fried burgers use canned salmon from your pantry, making this an easy recipe you can enjoy year round. Well-flavored homemade fish patties make a satisfying pub-style lunch or dinner when served on soft fluffy rolls or burger buns.
11. Family Favorite Macaroni and Cheese
Your search for the ultimate macaroni and cheese just ended. This crowd-pleasing recipe with an irresistible homemade sauce gets fantastic texture from a buttered breadcrumb topping. Ideas for variations are included too, so you can tweak it according to your family's tastes.
12. Vegetable Lasagna
Lasagna packed with plenty of veggies, cheese, and a creamy sauce is so satisfying, you won't care there's no meat. Fresh chopped vegetables are layered with a seasoned mixture of ricotta, mozzarella cheese, and a simple Alfredo-style sauce with Parmesan cheese.
13. Spaghetti Pie
Hearty pizza-style spaghetti pie is sure to become a favorite recipe in your family. What's not to like-with all your favorite pizza ingredients cooked into a "pie" with tender noodles? Skip the pepperoni during Lent and add any fresh chopped veggies from your fridge to boost the nutrition content.
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