Are you someone who fasts from meat on Fridays during the season of Lent? Or maybe you are looking for some meatless Monday ideas? Look no further! After a year working at an outdoor education center where vegetarian meals were the norm, I learned a lot about ways to get protein into my diet without depending on animal products. Here are some of my favorite meat-free meals:
-Curry Couscous with added roasted vegetables (butternut squash and sweet potatoes are my favorite) and chickpeas
-Southwestern Rice & Bean Burritos - Make the soup per package directions with a little less liquid and allow to cool. Wrap inside a warmed flour tortilla and add cheese/salsa/sour cream/chopped onion/guacamole/chopped tomatoes as desired. These can also be frozen before adding the extras like salsa/sour cream and they make a quick and easy meal anytime!
-Italian Bean Soup with Zucchini - Make the soup per package directions, but don't add any bacon or other meat products. Instead, add some cubed zucchini squash at the end of the cooking time and simmer until the zucchini is crisp-tender.
-Breakfast - Make a batch of pancakes and top with peanut butter and banana slices. If you are going full vegan, use a flax egg in place of the egg and an alternative milk to dairy for making the pancakes.
-Chili Mac - Make the soup mix as directed. Add in a handful of frozen corn at the end of the cooking time to add a bit of extra interest/texture to the dish. I've been told this is a favorite dish for families fasting from meat on Fridays during Lent.
-Veggie Pizza - Put together your favorite pizza crust, sauce, and thinly sliced veggies. Top with cheese and sprinkle with my Italian Seasoning before baking as directed.