Lenten Foods

Today is AhWednesday ,a day when Christians ,and this year the Greek Orthodox begin Lent.It is forty day period of giving up and fasting leading to Lent.There are certain foods that are eaten today as well as during these forty days leading up to Easter.IThey not only full of religious significance, but are also a nice way of eating light. Ash Wednesday and the following LentenFridays for Catholics and Episcopalians means meatless meals.The restrictions are not as strict as the Orthodox so a meatless meal could be an omelet or anything kind of fish.Most Friday night dinners have always been pizza or spaghetti for dinner, with a lunch consisting of either a fish sandwich or fish sticks.Clam chowder is popular during this time as are any fish stew.It's a great time to try bouillabaisse out thanks to it being rich in an assortment of fish ,from lobster to angler fish to crabs.Soy meats are also allowed ,so technically you could create a meat loaf ,providing it has a soy base or have veggies pups and burgers. The Greek Orthodox are much more stricter and more traditionally rooted.Their first day of lEnt was Monday also known as Clean Monday and must fast until sundown.They are only allowed bread ,salt and water for the day.It is also called the Great Lent and other meat related products such as dairy and eggs are forbidden.Even their dietary staple olive oil is not allowed so foods have to be cooked in vegetable oil.Depending on how religious the Greek Orthodox are along with where they come from in Greece,their pre Easter period can be forgoing meat on Wednesdays and Fridays,Fish is also taboo as is dairy products.The diet during this time is rich in vegetables and beans.They make a white bean soup,along with boiled leafy greens as well as the classic stuffed grape leaves.This last is filled with rice and lemon in place of lamb. The time of Lent is a period of reflection and fasting.It means giving up certain foods as Christians follow ancient rules and customs.It is a time honored period of cleansing the body and soul.