Mexico Top Dishes for Lenten Season
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is one of the most important seasons for Catholics where they observe Cuaresma or Lent by eating less red meat and more plant-based food. Jacqueline Romano/Getty Images For SOBEWFF

Many people worldwide, particularly in Christian countries like Mexico, follow Lent (the liturgical season preceding Easter), whether out of religious conviction or simple tradition.

Increasing one's intake of vegetarian and pescatarian meals is a frequent approach to this. Delicious dishes perfect for Cuaresma (Lent) and Semana Santa (Holy Week) can be found throughout Mexican food.

Below are Mexico's top dishes for the Lenten season.

Empanadas

Although meatless empanadas or "vigil empanadas," after the "watch" maintained by Catholics on Holy Saturday, when a crucified Jesus was alone in his tomb, are made and eaten all year long in Latin America, they are especially popular during Lent and Holy Week.

The only difference between "regular" empanadas and empanadas de vigilia is that the contents in the latter are entirely seafood.

Make some ultra-Mexican ones by sautéing mushrooms with chopped onion and a sprig of epazote, or try your hand at poblano chile rajas. Empanadas can also be filled with canned or raw fish sautéed with onion, garlic, and tomatoes. You could also make a sautée of Swiss chard and shallot (vegetarian if you omit the cheese).

Egg Dishes

Eggs are the king of cheap nutrition, and Mexico produces some of the best in the world. Ranchero eggs (huevos rancheros) are a delicious dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

On meatless Fridays, many people opt for scrambled eggs with cooked, chopped green beans or prepared nopalitos (pieces of nopal cactus). Authentic Mexican flavor is achieved by serving them with sliced avocado and a piece or two of Mexican cheese.

Fresh Fish and Seafood

Christians abstain from eating flesh on Fridays during Lent as a form of penance. However, it is tough to be contrite when Mexican cuisine offers so many tempting seafood options.

White fish in a buttery cilantro sauce and fish Veracruz style are two dishes you should not overlook. Ceviche, whether made with seafood or shrimp, should not be avoided. Try some of Mexico's other mariscos words when you have mastered those meals.

Tacos de Papa

This tasty and filling Mexican Lenten season meal is also known as Potato Tacos. Traditional Tacos de Papa are packed with a crispy and savory potato mixture instead of meat during Lent.

You can adjust the taste of this dish to your liking by playing around with various condiments and seasonings.

Tostadas de Camaron

Tostadas de Camaron is a flavorful and light seafood dish perfect for the Lenten season. The guacamole-slathered tortillas are topped with a flavorful shrimp combination and a creamy, nutty chipotle sauce.

Quesadillas de Papa

You can spice your diet with these delicious quesadillas packed with mashed potatoes. The quesadillas are simple to prepare and packed with flavor; the creamy potato filling and crisp exterior will have you reaching for more.

Cauliflower Ceviche

Cauliflower ceviche, or ceviche de coliflor, is a meatless alternative to the more common Mexico ceviche made with seafood. Cauliflower takes the place of fish in this recipe, and the combination of vegetables and the tangy marinade makes for a filling and light meal that works equally well as an appetizer or a light supper.

READ MORE: 4 Famous Cuban Street Food You Should Never Miss

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: 6 Latino-style meatless recipes for Lent Fridays - From ABC 7 Chicago