WHAT DO YOU EAT DURING LENT? PROHIBITIONS AND CONCESSIONS

The 40 days preceding Easter are devoted to penance, including at the table. Discover the rules of Lent, its prohibitions and the little gourmet pleasures allowed.

What do we eat during Lent?

The Catholic religion imposes certain dietary restrictions during Lent. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a question of total abstinence from meat, alcohol or sweets, but rather of thoughtful moderation. In the past, the rules were much stricter, also banning eggs and dairy products.

What days of Lent are meat prohibited?

According to the precepts of the Church, the ban on meat mainly concerns:

• Ash Wednesday: first day of Lent, marking the end of Carnival.
• Good Friday: day of commemoration of the passion and crucifixion of Christ.
• Holy Saturday: day when abstinence and fasting are recommended but not obligatory.

Many practitioners also choose not to eat meat every Friday during Lent.

Lenten fasting: how does it work?

Fasting prescribed by the Church does not mean completely abstaining from food. It consists of:

• Eat only one main meal during the day, usually at midday.
• Allow light snacks in the morning and evening.
• To be practiced by the faithful aged 18 to 60 (younger people and sick people being exempt).

Why don't we eat meat but fish?

The rule of Lent requires eliminating meat, but allows fish. For what ?

• Red meat was historically considered a luxury food, unsuitable for a period of reflection.
• Saint Thomas Aquinas claimed that meat provides more pleasure than fish, which would make it a better sacrifice.
• Fish is a cold-blooded animal, unlike white meats, which makes it acceptable according to tradition.

Traditional Lenten recipes

Lent has influenced cuisine through many recipes:

• Polenta and herring (Treviso) – A simple but nourishing dish.
• Cappon magro (Liguria) – A preparation rich in fish, vegetables and sauce.
• Vicenza or Neapolitan-style cod – An emblematic dish of Lenten meals.
• Scammaro Frittata (Naples) – An omelette accompanied by tomato sauce and olives.
• Spaghetti with nuts and breadcrumbs – A traditional recipe recommended by Pellegrino Artusi.
• Quaresimali – Typical Lenten biscuits, proof that abstinence does not mean the absence of gluttony.

Lent is a time of moderation and reflection, but also an opportunity to explore simpler and more inventive cuisine. Although certain food rules exist, they still allow you to enjoy traditional and delicious dishes while respecting tradition.

👉 Source : Read the original article on La Cucina Italiana