Catholics in Latin American households practice meatless Fridays in observance of the Lenten season, which started Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10. Abstaining from meat is seen as part of penitence, and it's based on religious teachings.

For easy to prepare meatless recipes and How to start vegan intermittent fasting, here are some suggestions you can do to pack for Friday lunch at work:

1) Caprese Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 6 ounces whole grain fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
  • 8 ounces baby mozzarella balls, sliced in half
  • 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh basil
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar

Procedure: In a large pot, cook pasta as directed and then drain. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, heat the olive oil, tomatoes and salt. Cover for a few minutes or until the tomatoes burst and the olive oil has turned bright red. Throw in the pasta and toss. Add the mozzarella balls and basil and toss again. Finish it off with vinegar, and add salt to taste.

Cookie and Kate cited that this recipe will retain its quality in the refrigerator for a few days. Just reheat before eating.

2) Peanut-Sesame Slaw with Soba Noodles

Ingredients for the slaw:

  • 4 ounces soba noodles, cooked according to package directions
  • 1 small quarter-sliced purple or green cabbage, remove core
  • 12 pound Brussels sprouts (optional)
  • 4 peeled carrots
  • 1 bunch trimmed and thinly-sliced green onions

Ingredients for the peanut-sesame dressing:

  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar or rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Procedure: Prepare the vegetables for the slaw using a food processor for best results. If not, make sure that the cabbage, carrots and sprouts are sliced into thin strips.

Whisk the ingredients of the dressing in a small bowl until smooth. Then, in a large bowl, combine everything with the cooked soba noodles. Let the salad marinate before serving. Add garnish like lime, cilantro or peanuts, if preferred.

Use gluten-free noodle and replace soy sauce for tamari for a healthier alternative.

3) Veggie Burger

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound can of beans, drained and rinsed, or 1.5 cups cooked beans 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 cups diced veggies like carrots, spinach, kale, corn or sweet potatoes
  • 2 teaspoons + 2 tablespoons oil for frying
  • 3 tablespoons preferred liquid flavor like mustard, ketchup or soy sauce
  • 4 teaspoons spice like cumin, chili or Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup dry base ingredient such as bread crumbs, cornmeal, oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup texture ingredient like nuts or sundried tomatoes

Procedure: Sauté onion, veggies and garlic until its soft. Combine this with the beans, liquid, spices and salt in the food processor. Then, pulse the dry and texture ingredients into the mixture. Form these into patties. Fry with oil in medium heat.

Nomeatathlete cited that the recipe is good for 18 small patties.

4) Shrimp and Pasta Shell Salad

This meal is pretty straightforward to do and can be matched with grilled salmon, per All Recipes. Follow the video below:

5) Vegan Flatbread Pizza

You can enjoy this pizza with your preferred toppings and sauce. Follow the flatbread recipe in the video below: