Lent is a 40-day period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. Lent is a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday.
In Philippine culture, the season of Lent is deeply ingrained. We seek the Lord in prayer, serve by giving alms, and practice self-control through fasting. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics fast, meaning they eat less than usual. Also, adult Catholics over the age of 14 abstain from eating meat. During these days, it is not acceptable to eat lamb, chicken, beef, pork, ham, deer, and most other meats. Because of this, it might worry us to the limited options for protein during lent, however, it is a fantastic time to discover more tasty forms of protein sources. We all know that Filipinos love to eat foods, so let's look at some foods that boost protein that you should eat during this holy lent.
Here are some of the most recommended Filipino dishes that can give you an idea of this Holy Week.
- Ginisang Ampalaya with egg- Bitterness and a generally unpleasant flavor are described as “ampalaya,” Ginisang Amapalaya is a dish composed of sauteed bitter melon, tomato, onions, and beaten eggs.
- Ginataang Tilapia- Ginataang tilapia is a fish dish made with spinach and cooked in coconut milk.
3. Atcharang Papaya- The Filipino variant of sauerkraut is atcharang papaya. It’s both sweet and sour, even though it’s made from green (unripe) papaya.
4. Lumpiang Sariwa- Fresh spring rolls, or Lumpiang Sariwa, are an excellent food. Although the original recipe is made of pork, you may prepare a holy week-friendly variation by omitting pork or any other meat item.
5. Tortang Talong (Eggplant omelet) - Tortang Talong is an eggplant omelet. Who would’ve thought that a few beaten eggs, eggplant, and the correct seasonings could result in the ever useful and delicious Tortang Talong?
6. Ginisang Togue- Ginisang Togue, or Sauteed Mung Bean Sprouts with Tofu and Vegetables, is a good lent dish to try. It’s both healthy and tasty.
7. Inihaw na Pusit (Grilled Squid)- Inihaw na Pusit is a quick and easy recipe that tastes great. It tastes best when served with a spicy vinegar dip.
The meat alternatives mentioned above include some benefits that may be able to improve your overall health if followed accordingly on a consistently regular basis. May these simple foods serve as a reminder to Christians in the modern world to take care of their spirits on a daily basis. Taking care of one’s health is vital in preserving the gift of our Lord, that is our body. Always remember the Kumainment No. 1, “Kumain ng Iba’t-ibang uri ng pagkain!” to ensure that we get all the needed nutrients from our regular diet. - Khayla Mae Urata
Source:
https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/lent
https://www.forkliftandpalate.com/manheim/blog/what-can-you-eat-during-lent#:~:text=During%20these%20days%2C%20it%20is,from%20Lent%20rules%20of%20fasting.
https://whatalife.ph/alternative-food-to-eat-during-the-lent-season/
