Lent
Lent
Why is meat not eaten during Lent?
By Gretel Morales - 2022-03-31T17:25:42Z
Read in English
Now that Lent has started, millions of Catholics around the world fast on certain dates and also avoid eating red meat on Fridays. Although many people do not practice this religious faith, it is the perfect time of year to take advantage of seafood and try incredible meatless dishes.
At Kiwilimon, we explain why Catholics do not eat meat during Lent, what is eaten in other countries during this religious celebration, and we also provide you with the best recipes to prepare a delicious, nutritious, and economical menu for Lent Fridays.
You can also read: 15 Mexican Tostadas for Lent
For the faithful, this is a time for fasting and penance, as well as for reflecting on the lifestyle they have adopted and helping others.
The Archdiocese states that “since Jesus sacrificed his body for us on Good Friday, we abstain from eating meat on Fridays in his honor” and explains that the meat that should not be consumed is that of mammals and birds; however, fish, shellfish, and animal products such as milk, eggs, cheese, and more can be consumed.
On the other hand, meat is also associated with celebration and festivity, but since Lent is about repentance and reflection, avoiding such foods is also considered a form of penance. Additionally, it is worth remembering that centuries ago, fish was much cheaper than meat, which relates it to poverty and disdain for material goods.
You can also read: 10 Mexican Seafood Recipes for Lent
In Mexico, people usually prepare all kinds of dishes with fish and seafood, but the most popular are romeritos with shrimp cakes, fish wrapped in paper, shrimp cocktail, cod, shrimp empanadas, fava bean soup, shrimp broth, cheese-stuffed peppers, and the classic capirotada, torrejas, and turrones for dessert time.
In Europe, people usually consume hard-boiled eggs, bread, cod, potatoes, garlic soup, fritters, among many other delights.
Now that Lent has started, millions of Catholics around the world fast on certain dates and also avoid eating red meat on Fridays. Although many people do not practice this religious faith, it is the perfect time of year to take advantage of seafood and try incredible meatless dishes.
At Kiwilimon, we explain why Catholics do not eat meat during Lent, what is eaten in other countries during this religious celebration, and we also provide you with the best recipes to prepare a delicious, nutritious, and economical menu for Lent Fridays.
You can also read: 15 Mexican Tostadas for Lent
What is Lent?
Lent is a religious celebration that lasts 40 days and precedes Easter. This liturgical date begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates on Holy Thursday. This celebration lasts for 40 days in representation of the 40 days of the flood, but also of the 40 years that the Jewish people spent in the desert.For the faithful, this is a time for fasting and penance, as well as for reflecting on the lifestyle they have adopted and helping others.
Why is meat not eaten during Lent?
According to the Archdiocese of Minneapolis, the faithful abstain from eating red meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and the six Fridays of Lent; however, this tradition is relatively new, as until 1996, the Catholic Church prohibited the consumption of meat every Friday of the year.The Archdiocese states that “since Jesus sacrificed his body for us on Good Friday, we abstain from eating meat on Fridays in his honor” and explains that the meat that should not be consumed is that of mammals and birds; however, fish, shellfish, and animal products such as milk, eggs, cheese, and more can be consumed.
On the other hand, meat is also associated with celebration and festivity, but since Lent is about repentance and reflection, avoiding such foods is also considered a form of penance. Additionally, it is worth remembering that centuries ago, fish was much cheaper than meat, which relates it to poverty and disdain for material goods.
You can also read: 10 Mexican Seafood Recipes for Lent
What is eaten during Lent?
The food of Lent changes from country to country, but here we tell you a little more about the dishes that delight the faithful during this time of year.In Mexico, people usually prepare all kinds of dishes with fish and seafood, but the most popular are romeritos with shrimp cakes, fish wrapped in paper, shrimp cocktail, cod, shrimp empanadas, fava bean soup, shrimp broth, cheese-stuffed peppers, and the classic capirotada, torrejas, and turrones for dessert time.
In Europe, people usually consume hard-boiled eggs, bread, cod, potatoes, garlic soup, fritters, among many other delights.
The best dishes with fish and seafood
If you want to prepare the best dishes with fish and seafood for this Lent and share with family, remember that at Kiwilimon we have the best recipes for you, you can't miss them!- Traditional Romeritos with Mole and Shrimp
- Crispy Tuna Tacos with Guacamole
- Bartender's Shrimp Broth
- Mexican Fish Wrapped in Paper
- Chilaquiles with Seafood
- Governor Tacos with Shrimp
- Easy Mexican Shrimp Ceviche
- Seafood Pozole
- Green Fish in Garlic Sauce
- Jalapeños Stuffed with Tuna Salad
- Easy Tuna Salpicón
Meatless Dishes for Lent
If you are looking for vegetarian or more economical recipes, we also have a great variety of options for a healthy and filling meatless meal, you will love these options!- Cheese Stew in Green Sauce
- Poblano Pepper Stuffed with Quinoa
- Healthy Lentil Salad
- Poblano Pepper Soup with Corn
- Mushrooms in Green Sauce with Purslane
- Stuffed Plantain Fritters with Beans
- Lentil Picadillo
- Broccoli and Carrot Croquettes
- Baja-Style Cauliflower Tacos
