The season of Lent is widely celebrated in the country, with Catholicism being the religion of the majority of Filipinos. It has been a practice among Roman Catholics to abstain from eating meat every Friday during lent, and the entire holy week. It is not recommended to eat pork, chicken, beef, lamb, and other types of meat during this season.

Anyone who follows this tradition knows the struggle of thinking of any meatless dishes to serve to their family. Hence, NNC IX provides you with these 5 Filipino Food to try this Lenten Season:

1. Sardines with Misua and Patola

This budget friendly food is composed of sardines in tomato sauce with flour noodles, and vegetables.

2. Ginisang Toge

Aside from being nutritious and delicious, you may add some pieces of tofu in this dish to provide you with protein in exchange for meat.

3. Tortang Talong

An easy and quick food that anyone can cook. Tortang Talong is the Filipino’s eggplant omelet. It is so delicious especially with banana ketchup and white rice.

4. Lumpiang Shanghai

Although the original recipe makes use of meat, you can modify or make your own version using flaked fish during Lent.

5. Ginataang Tilapia

Ginataan is a Filipino way of cooking meat, vegetables or seafood using coconut milk or cream. Anyone who loves the taste of coconut milk will surely love this dish.

Lenten season equates to cutting down on expensive or lavish dishes and simply eating humbly. May these simple foods remind us that let’s make an effort to nurture our spirit throughout our daily lives as Christians in the modern world.

NO I Cielo Katrina M. Mabalot

References:

1. “12 (+8 more) Filipino Food to Have During the Holy Week” from https://panlasangpinoy.com/12-filipino-foods-to-have-during-the-holy-week/

2. “A Guide to Food Served During the Lenten Season” from https://primer.com.ph/tips-guides/2017/03/17/expats-guide-food-served-during-the-lenten-season/

3. “Lent-friendly Filipino Dishes” from http://locale.com.ph/explore/lent-friendly-filipino-dishes/