It’s Lent time again! Whether you’re keeping things pescatarian on Fridays, going full veggie for the whole season, or just looking for some meat-free inspiration, we’re here to help with awesome new Lent options. Think fresh seafood, colorful veggie bowls, and plant-based goodness that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Plus, we’re throwing in some tasty recipes and handy in-store services to make your Lenten meals a breeze. No stress, just good food and good vibes! Ready to dive into Lent with a smile? Come see us, and let’s cook up something delicious together!
What is Lent?
Lent is a 40-day period of observation before Easter Sunday when those who follow Christian practices abstain from eating red meat and poultry as a form of penance and abstinence. It’s common for many to “give up” or not eat something in addition to red meat and poultry. Common things that are given up include alcohol, sugar, and soda. However, even if you do not participate in Lent, we’ve still got plenty of delicious seafood and plant-based dishes to share with you.
When Does Lent Start?
The start of the Lent season is different each year because it begins about 40 days before Easter Sunday, which falls on a different date each year. This year, Lent falls between Wednesday, February 14th, and will continue through Thursday, March 28th. The beginning of Lent is marked by Ash Wednesday is concluded by Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday.
Free Seafood Steaming Service
At our seafood counter, you can pick out your preferred cut of fish or lobster and we’ll season and steam it for no additional charge. Also, if you’re planning on cooking your seafood at a later time, ask us for a free microwavable steam bag. Each cut of fish and lobster will come out perfect and delicious every time!
Aguachiles
Aguachiles is a traditional Mexican dish that’s made with marinated seafood (usually shrimp) that’s mixed with chili peppers like jalapenos, serranos, lime juice, and cilantro. It’s typically served with thinly sliced red onions, cilantro, and cucumber. It’s the perfect dish for lent, either for lunch or dinner because it’s made with fish or shrimp and fresh vegetables. Serve Aguachiles with crunchy Stater Bros. tortilla chips or round tostadas. Our seafood department has plenty of seafood lent essentials for you to choose from, so be sure to check it out next time you’re at your local Stater Bros. Markets.
Vegan Cauliflower Aguachiles
Ingredients:
1 small head of cauliflower
½ red onion
2 jalapeños
1 garlic clove
1 cucumber
½ of a cilantro bunch
8 limes
salt, to taste
Directions:
Julienne slice 1/2 a red onion. Place into a bowl and cover with cool water. To a blender add jalapeños, a clove of garlic, cilantro, the juice of 8 limes and a few pinches of salt. Blend until smooth. Remove cauliflower from ice bath. Add the rinsed red onion slices to the cauliflower. Add the blended cilantro lime juice mix to the cauliflower and onion, add salt to taste. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Two hours is ideal.
When ready to serve, peel de-seed and slice cucumber and add to aguachiles. Serve with corn tostadas or chips.
Mushrooms
Don’t underestimate the flavor and protein punch of mushrooms! Mushrooms are perfect to satisfy your palate and nutritional needs during Lent. Their savory richness and meaty texture make them versatile stand-ins, excelling in stews, stir-fries, and even burgers. Their umami depth adds complexity to sauces and enhances the flavors of other vegetables.
Portobellos, baby bellas, and shiitake mushrooms also contribute a respectable amount, making them ideal alternatives for vegetarians and vegans during Lent.
Great American Shrimp Skillets
Are you looking for a quick and easy dinner this Lent? The Great American shrimp skillets are the perfect go-to choice. Frozen at peak freshness right after being caught, peeled, and deveined, these amazing shrimps are great replacements to any dish that may require meat. Choose from delicious flavors like gumbos, fajitas, and kung pao just to name a few. From spicy to sweet, they’re the perfect ways to liven up any dinner during Lent, even when cooking feels like a chore.
Be sure to order online or find them in our frozen aisle!
Ceviche
If you haven’t tried our seafood counter’s ceviche before, you’re missing out! Ceviche is a classic Latin American dish that is made with fresh fish or shrimp, lime juice, cilantro, and onions. It’s a perfect dish to have for Lent because it’s light yet filling, healthy, and is only made with seafood. Find it at our seafood counter and serve it with fresh tortilla chips or tostadas.
Plant-Based Proteins
You’d be surprised how flavorful plant-based proteins can be! Embracing plant-based proteins like tofu unlocks a treasure trove of culinary delights and health benefits. Plant-based proteins offer a vibrant kaleidoscope of culinary possibilities. From hearty lentil stews and creamy chickpea curries to crispy tofu stir-fries and protein-packed quinoa bowls, the options are endless, bursting with flavor and texture.
Explore plant-based lent essentials like Franklin Farms that offers a wide variety of tofu, falafel, and other plant-based lent essentials that are delicious and easy to include in your meals.
Looking for more recipes for Lent season? Visit our Vegan Recipes to Try for a Day or More blog for additional recipes you can cook all lent season long!