- Serve baked potatoes with a variety of toppings. Freshly chopped tomatoes, grated cheese and cold sour cream are perfect toppings for potato eaters. A side salad complements this light dinner meal.
- Heavy soups can still have plenty of flavor without meat. Substitute meat with tofu or beans. A vegetarian chili with a side of toast and crackers is a light and hearty meal. Or try a rich and creamy potato-based soup or vegetable stew. These can be particularly welcoming, especially during the winter months.
- Fry up a variety of vegetables from broccoli to zucchini, carrots, snow peas, mushrooms, watercress and onions. Stir fry is a great mix of healthy foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Pair up the vegetables with a side of white or fried rice. Top with soy sauce. You may even choose to add fish to the stir fry dish, as fish is acceptable in meatless Lenten meals.
- Cook up egg dishes for foods rich in protein. Deviled eggs and egg salad sandwiches can all be made from hard boiled eggs. Mushrooms, peppers and tomatoes can be added to omelets for a breakfast-style dinner. The same vegetables can be added to quiche. Top quiche with tomato and cheese. As with stir fry dishes, shrimp, crab or another kind of fish can be added to egg dishes for added flavor and protein.
- Warm, cooked noodles from angel hair to penne pasta are favorites during the Lenten season. Pasta salads can be enjoyed cold with a vinaigrette or cream dressing. Tomato or Alfredo sauce can also top pasta dishes. Serve bread sticks for an Italian-style meal.
