During the penitential season of Lent, Catholics worldwide abstain from meat on Fridays and Ash Wednesday.
At one point in time, Catholics abstained from eating meat every Friday of the year, but U.S. bishops now allow Catholics to instead substitute another act of charity or sacrifice.
Abstinence is the absence of meat (mammals) or fowl, but fish is allowed.
You can access our full Lenten fasting and abstinence guide here.
It is easier to abide by these liturgical practices when we unite them with the sacrificial meaning of the season itself and plan when it comes to Friday meals.
But many Catholics often feel stuck. For a family, it can be particularly hard with picky eaters and overcrowded fish restaurants.
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Below, you will find meatless dishes to incorporate into your weekly rotation. Some do not include fish or enduring long lines and your go-to fish restaurants. You can create your version of these dishes in the comfort of your own home, too.
Asian Food
Chinese and Japanese restaurants offer many meatless options.
Look for vegetable-based rice or noodle dishes, and don’t forget that the fish included in your favorite sushi rolls are allowed, too.
Mexican Food
Mexican cuisine and related food offer a wide variety of meatless options. If you’re worried about protein, try ordering a bean and cheese burrito.
If you visit your favorite recipe site or look on Pinterest, narrow your search to vegetarian Mexican recipes.
This can include anything from simple cheese enchiladas and salads to tacos with black beans and sweet potatoes. You can find a lot of unique recipes to create in your kitchen here.
Breakfast for Dinner
Eggs are a great source of protein!
Try making a spread of pancakes, veggie-loaded breakfast casseroles, hashbrown-based dishes, or omelets.
This idea offers a variety of options at once, ensuring something satisfying for every family member. And you can eat the leftovers the next morning!
Find more recipe ideas here.
Italian Food
On Fridays during Lent, make your favorite pasta dish without adding meat. Or, substitute it with shrimp or scallops.
Pizza is also a no-sweat alternative for Fridays, too.
You can find more vegetarian Italian dishes to order or whip up at home here.
Fish
You can always opt for a simple salmon or tilapia dish each Friday at home. Try throwing some fish sticks in the oven for the kids, too.
Click here for some easy recipes.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember why Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays. It is should be difficult.
Who is required to abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent?
“The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.”
However, the Church exempts certain groups from these requirements and asks them to make an alternative sacrifice.
The USCCB states,
“The physically or mentally ill, including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes…In all cases, common sense should prevail, and ill persons should not further jeopardize their health by fasting.”
Pregnant or breastfeeding women are also in this category.