Ideas of What to Eat for Lent
Lent is the 40 days before Easter, beginning with Ash Wednesday (the day after Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras) and excluding Sundays. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics are taught to fast, eating one full meal and having only snacks to keep up their strength. On Fridays during Lent and on Ash Wednesday, Catholics are also supposed to refrain from eating meat if they fall in the age range of 18 to 60, although some parents have their children begin at younger ages. Seafood dishes are acceptable substitutes on Fridays during Lent. Does this Spark an idea?
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History of Lent
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Although the number 40 appears often in the Bible, the 40 days of Lent are symbolic of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert before his death. The time of penance and sacrifice known as Lent was not always as regulated as it is today. Pope St. Victor I received letters of confusion from St. Irenaeus about whether fasting should last for one day, two days or forty hours, according to Fr. William Saunders. After the legalization of Christianity, scriptures about Lent became better translated and more regulated between Eastern and Western sects of Christianity. Through time, the 40-day period of Lent developed with the faithful giving something up for Lent and fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. They also refrain from eating meat on Fridays in Lent.
Seafood
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Seafood is a good alternative to meat during Lent for many reasons, including health. Some seafood dishes for Fridays during Lent include shrimp scampi, crab cakes, baked talapia, Manhattan or New England clam chowder, salmon and tuna, which can be cooked in a variety of ways. Although seafood was not always permitted during Ash Wednesday and Fridays during Lent, the Lenten rules were eventually relaxed.
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Pasta Dishes
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Although Fridays in Lent are a time for fasting, one meal a day can still be a delicious meal. Pasta has a lot of potential, especially if you play around with the sauces. Go with classic macaroni and cheese, or try fettuccine Alfredo or spaghetti with a white wine sauce. If your family isn't big on trying new sauces, try a meatless lasagna or baked ziti. Filled pastas, including cheese ravioli and tortellini, topped with melted cheeses, are also great Lenten meals.
Take-Outs
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Some families use Fridays in Lent as a time to avoid cooking, but also a time to sacrifice. For example, families can order pizza, and although their favorite topping may be pepperoni, they may order a cheese pizza or a pizza with mushrooms. Vegetable strombolis are also good options when ordering take-outs on Fridays during Lent. Many Chinese restaurants offer vegetarian menus or vegetable dishes, which may give your family a chance to try something new rather than their favorite chicken and cashews or General Taos. Whatever the take-out order may be, make sure it is meatless.
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