Lenten meals often focus on fish a seafood – read our blog all about seafood meals. Lent also offers the opportunity to explore a rich tapestry of vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes that feature legumes, peas, eggplant and sweet potatoes are protein-packed and big on flavor. Embracing these plant-based alternatives honors the Lenten tradition of abstaining from meat while nurturing body and soul.
1- Crispy Gnocchi with Burrata and Tomato Confit
Our Gnocchi Workshop is one of our most popular cooking classes. Instructor Lili demystifies the technique and proves that homemade gnocchi is doable – and delicious! Puffy, delicate potato gnocchi sizzle in tomato-rich oil and are dolloped with creamy burrata. This one is a symphony of flavors and textures on a plate. Divine.
Ready to try your hand at hand formed gnocchi and pasta? Check out our Malloreddus Boards for curved ridged pasta shapes and the Gnocchi Board for perfectly puffed potato dumplings.
2- Chana Masala
Chana Masala is a chickpea curry that’s a staple dish in Northern India. The magic in Chana Masala happens in the browning of the onions and the addition of Garam Masala. We love this hearty, aromatic dish on its own or with a bowl of steamed basmati rice. It’s hearty and brimming with complexity. It’s also one of the easiest Indian dishes you’ll make.
3- Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos
Caramelized and sweetness meets rich earthiness in these veggie forward tex mex delights. Roasting sweet potatoes with our cumin-rich Cuban Spice Rub is one our favorite ways to bring out the best in the sugary tubers. Golden brown sweet potatoes are layered with spicy simmered black beans and drizzled a smoky poblano sauce. This taco that would be welcome on any Tuesday!
4- Crispy Baked Eggplant Parm
This big, cheesy eggplant parm is a 9X13 pan of goodness. We skip the usual deep fried step on the eggplant and opt for a high-heat, oven roast. Slices of eggplant are seasoned with our Spaghettata Blend and dredged in bread crumbs and bake up golden brown and crispy. The roasted aubergines are layered with our Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce and lots of cheese. This Italian American favorite is a meatless and satisfying. So good.
5- Cannellini Beans & Kale with Crispy Bread Crumbs
Cannellini beans and kale come together in this delicious Tuscan dish that’s sure to turn the kale-curious into kale cheerleaders. Our Creole Italian Blend lends a nice herby-spicy note to the rich garlic and olive oil – the perfect compliments to the creamy beans and robust kale. Wholesome and delish.
Fun fact: this hearty, nutritious and completely satisfying side dish can do double duty as a soup. Add in extra stock – our Vegetable Stock works well – and you’ve got a big batch of comforting soup that’s perfect for packing in lunch boxes.
6- Vegetarian Pad Thai
This quick, vibrant veggie-only pad thai is a taste and texture sensation that comes together in sub-30 minutes. A quick sauce with Sesame Stir Fry Blend and a handful of pantry staples brings together the dish. Rice noodles are wok-tossed with zucchini, carrot, shallot and garlic then garnished with crunchy peanuts and bright cilantro – a delightful, meat-free twist on a Thai classic.
