Mexican Lent Recipes

Mexican Lent recipes combine our Semana Santa (holy week) traditions with tasty foods. Here, I will share a collection of recipes that not only follow Lent's dietary guidelines but also celebrate the traditions of Mexican cuisine. Enjoy!

Lent season in Mexico

In Mexico, the Lenten season holds significant cultural and religious importance. It is observed by most of the population, particularly within the Catholic community. This period begins on Ash Wednesday and extends for 40 days (also known as “la cuaresma”) and culminates with the celebration of Easter. During Lent, Mexican traditions blend indigenous flavors with Catholic customs, creating a unique mixture of rituals and culinary practices.

One of the central aspects of the Mexican Lenten observance is the abstinence from meat on Fridays and certain other days, following Catholic teachings. Throughout Mexico, various regions showcase their distinct Lenten specialties. Coastal areas, in particular, embrace the abundance of fresh seafood.

Meanwhile, inland regions may emphasize vegetable-centric recipes, incorporating local produce into Lenten meals. For all Mexicans, Catholic or not, Lent season marks a festival of flavor where we delight in dishes we might not find during the rest of the year. It is an excellent pretext to have these delicacies in a season that brings us thoughts of beaches, seafood, and much-needed rest.

Most Popular Mexican Recipes for Lent

Classic Mexican Lenten dishes are mainly found on Ash Wednesday and conclude on Holy Saturday, and here are the most popular.

Capirotada: This sweet and savory Mexican bread pudding is made with days-old bread, piloncillo, nuts, and other tasty ingredients. This recipe is special, with a significant reason for every ingredient tied back to religion.  

Romeritos: A traditional dish featuring a green herb reminiscent of rosemary, often paired with shrimp and potatoes. The dish, known as "Romeritos en Mole," features these sprouts cooked in a rich mole sauce, typically served with potatoes and nopales (cactus pads).

Dried Shrimp Patties: (Tortitas de Camarón) Are made with dried shrimp, potatoes, and seasonings. They are often fried and served with a tomato-based sauce.

Tilapia Veracruz Style: The fish is cooked with a flavorful tomato sauce that includes olives, capers, and sometimes jalapeños.

Fava Bean Soup: This tasty soup includes fava beans, onions, tomatoes, garlic, and nopales.

Fish Recipes for Lent

Fish-based dishes take center stage in many households, especially if you live close to the coast. This section offers an array of ceviches, grilled fish, and shrimp-based dishes.  

Camarones a la Diabla: The name "a la diabla" translates to "devil-style," indicating the dish's spiciness. You can always adjust the level of spiciness of this dish. 

Dried Shrimp Patties - Tortitas de Camarón con Nopales: This is one of the most traditional dishes for the Lent season; with dried shrimp, eggs, nopales, dried guajillo peppers, and tomatoes. 

Green Ceviche - Ceviche Verde: If you are looking for a light and healthy dish, this is it. Raw fish mixed with green tomatoes, serrano pepper, cilantro, and other Mexican spices. 

Red Snapper Veracruz Style: This recipe is perfect for those who love eating fish with extra flavor. The red snapper is cooked in a red sauce made with tomatoes and wine. What’s not to love?

Pescado al Mojo de Ajo: (Fish sauteed with garlic)This simple and quick meal is one of my favorites, and I hope it becomes one of your favorites too.

Mexican shrimp cocktail If seafood is not your thing, start with a Mexican shrimp cocktail; even the most peak eaters would love it. 

Tequila Shrimp  This recipe is ready in about 20 minutes and is effortless to make; the best part is the addition of tequila.

Vegetarian Lented Meals

For a vegetarian diet during Lent, there are numerous delicious options available.

Raw Nopales Salad: This a quick salad made with nopales (cactus pads), tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. The dressing is lime juice and olive oil.

Potato Tacos: Easy to make with warm potato filling and a satisfying crunch on every bite.

Potato Patties: These potato patties are a crowd-pleaser, perfect as a side dish, snack, or even as the star of a vegetarian meal.

Black Bean Soup: This soup is a delightful fusion of hearty flavors and silky texture. This comforting dish begins with the earthy richness of black beans, blended into a velvety, smooth base. 

Avocado, Tomato, and Corn Salad: If you are looking for a quick and light meal, look no further, this salad is ready in a matter of minutes. 

Pasta with Poblano Sauce: This is not your typical pasta sauce; this recipe introduces a delightful twist to the traditional Italian dish, infusing it with the robust and slightly smoky flavors of poblano peppers. You will love it!

Creamy Potato with Poblano Peppers: The perfect side dish or in tacos (at home, we make the tacos with charred corn tortillas). 

Tlacoyos: Only found in some areas of the country, this simple yet flavorful recipe combines traditional Mexican ingredients. It is the perfect dish for breakfast or an afternoon meal. 

Simple Lented Soups

There are plenty of soup options for those who prefer a simple yet comforting meal during Lent.

Easy Lentil Soup: This Mexican lentil soup recipe is made with carrots, celery, onions, chicken broth, and the obvious- lentils! I sometimes have to make a big pot, because everybody wants seconds. 

Swiss Chard, Potato & Cheese Soup: This is a comforting, healthy, and easy-to-make soup for a satisfying dinner.  

Nopales Navegantes (sailing cactus soup) It is a healthy alternative with a lot of fiber and is high in antioxidants. 

Mexican potato Soup: Delicious and soul-warming, it only requires a few ingredients to prepare. 

Lent Season Recipes Using Canned Tuna

Canned tuna is a versatile and convenient ingredient perfect for many economical Lenten recipes. Here are a few ideas for delicious dishes you can prepare during the Lent season:

Tuna Tinga Tostadas Spicy tuna tostada with chipotle peppers and ready in 5 minutes.

Canned Tuna Chipotle Sandwiches: My husband's all-time favorite, perfect as a light meal on hot days!

Canned Tuna Empanadas: If you love empanadas but don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, this is for you. It is quick and easy to make. 

Canned Tuna Ceviche: A refreshing ceviche with a kick, this quick meal is perfect for lunch. 

Tuna Mexican Style. This recipe is a great appetizer when you have friends over and only have a little time to make a whole meal. 

You can find many more Mexican Lent Recipes here in the blog; just click HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Lent Season

What are traditional foods during Lent?

Traditional foods during Lent vary widely depending on regions and individual preferences. However, the common theme is to abstain from eating red meat during this time—the traditional food is based on seafood, vegetables, and grains. For Catholics, there is some guidance of only eating one large meal and two small meals or snacks on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. 

What not to eat during Lent?

For the 40 days that Lent takes place, it is recommended not to eat red meats. Catholics can eat animal products, like eggs, milk, and cheese. 

What is a Lenten dinner?

A Lenten dinner is a meal that adheres to the dietary restrictions observed during the 40-day season of Lent. One common practice during Lent is abstaining from certain foods, particularly red meat.

What do Mexicans eat during Lent?

Traditional Mexican lent recipes often feature ingredients such as fish, seafood, and vegetables. Some of the most popular dishes are Capirotada, Romeritos, nopales, and shrimp patties. 

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