Barely scraping by on meat-free Fridays during Lent? You’re not alone! Many people find this to be even harder than what they choose to give up during the 40 day period. Meat has become such a staple in the diets of a majority of Americans, but it is definitely not necessary for creating a healthy, delicious meal. Below are three options you can try out on your next meatless Friday and beyond!
Taco Bowls
¾ cup cooked rice
½ cup cooked black or pinto beans
Veggies of your choice (lettuce, tomato, onion, black olives, peppers, etc.)
2 tbsp. salsa of your choice
½ avocado or guacamole
3 tbsp. cheese
2 tbsp. sour cream
1 tbsp. chopped cilantro
This one is easy. Simply, combine all ingredients in a bowl and dig in!
Pasta a la Avocado
1 cup cooked pasta
1 avocado
¼ cup fresh basil
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp. lemon juice
2 tbsp. olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
While your pasta is cooking, combine avocado, basil, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor or blender. While it’s still running, add in olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. In a large bowl, toss pasta with the sauce. Top with cherry tomatoes. Bon appetit!
Hearty Sweet Potato Bowl
1 sweet potato cut into small cubes
½ cup black beans
1 cup fresh spinach chopped
1 tbsp. olive oil
Salt
Pepper
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. cumin
2 tbsp. chipotle ranch dressing
½ avocado
4 drops lime juice
Cook the sweet potato in the olive oil and spices on medium heat until it gets a little crisp to it. Then, turn down to low heat and cover. Let it cook for 15 minutes or until tender stirring occasionally. Add black beans and another dash of salt. Let it cook with the sweet potatoes for another 3-5 minutes or so until the beans are warmed. Then add spinach and stir all together letting the spinach cook for about a minute. Put your mixture in a bowl and toss with dressing.
In another dish, mash avocado with lime juice, a dash of salt, a dash of garlic salt, and a dash of pepper and cumin. Mix. Add on top of your sweet potato bowl and enjoy!
