During the season of Lent, members of the Catholic Church are asked to abstain from meat every Friday. While this can be challenging, there are many delicious meals that avoid using meat, and can power you through your Friday’s. Below are five of my favorite Lenten foods that are simple, and easy to make:

1. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

Just about everyone has had a classic peanut butter jelly sandwich, and during the Lenten season they are my go-to. These sandwiches are bursting with flavor, and can easily be made to your liking. Many grocery stores hold a wide variety of jellies, breads, and peanut butters, making it easy to create your own flavor combination. 

2. Fish

If you’re like me, you probably dislike fish, and everything involving it. However, that’s not to say fish isn’t a great Lenten meal. All throughout the area, fish frys are taking place, which serve great options for a hearty Lenten meal. Also, sushi has grown more popular amongst teens, and has become a fantastic Friday meal replacement.  

3. Pizza and Pasta

Although we can’t consume meat on Fridays, who says Italian food isn’t allowed? While some recipes include meat sauce, or meat toppings, these dishes can be easily altered to fit our Lenten promises. Some of my favorites include cheese pizza, cheese tortellini, Alfredo, pasta con broccoli, or even a simple red-sauce pasta. Also, don’t forget to include a side of bread to fill you up!

4. Grilled cheese and Tomato Soup

Another classic meal, grilled cheese and tomato soup, has grown to be a phenomenal flavor combination and a powerful meatless meal. Whenever I go out to eat on Fridays, grilled cheese is my go-to dish that satisfies my stomach and Lenten goal. Not only is grilled cheese delicious, it also pairs well with tomato soup, making it a delicious and filling combination.  

5. Salads

While salads may not be the most filling meal, they come in numerous flavors and varieties. I’m currently obsessing over Caesar salads, but Cobb, Asian, Italian, and Greek salads are all great options that make for a healthy meal. Additionally, there are many fantastic salad toppings and dressings that don’t include meat. My favorites range from almonds, to berries, to vinaigrettes and sauces, but the options are endless

Although abstaining from meat can be hard, there are great alternatives to eat instead. A popular dish people enjoy on Fridays during Lent is the beloved fish sandwich. Some fast food restaurants with well liked fish sandwiches are Wendy’s with a Wild Alaska Pollock filet, McDonald’s that has its famous tartar sauce, Culver’s, Dairy Queen, and Arby’s with a Hawaiian Fish filet. 

One big upset last Lent was when Chick-Fil-A discontinued its fish sandwich. Although Chick-Fil-A does not have their fish sandwich anymore, there are still other options as well. For example, the delicious mac and cheese, the fruit cups, waffle potato fries, and side salads are an amazing alternative to get instead of chicken. 

Many churches in the area offer fish frys on Fridays. These events are a great way to connect with the community, and meet new people. Some churches that offer fish frys in the area, are St. Joseph Cottleville through the Knights of Columbus, Assumption, Immaculate Conception, and All Saints in St. Peters. 

Although it can be hard to abstain from meat on Fridays, there are so many great alternatives to eat instead including fish sandwiches from various fast food restaurants, cooking an alternative dish at home, and eating at a parish fish fry.