Growing up Catholic, Fridays meant Meatless Fridays even when it wasn’t the Lenten season.

Although I have not committed to that tradition year round, I still give up meat on Fridays during Lent. Following is a collection of my favorite Lent recipes which make me long for Lenten Fridays early in the week.

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If you take part in Lent, remember you don’t have to substitute sabor during this time of reflection.

stacked red enchiladas on an earthenware plate with a fried egg on top

Stacked Red Enchiladas (Enchiladas Rojas)

5 (12 ratings)
These homemade red enchiladas are full of authentic Mexican flavor! With or without a fried egg, you’ll find yourself making this recipe time and time again.
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three Chile Rellenos on a tray with a side of salsa and a skillet of refried beans

Chiles Relleno Recipe

4.92 (36 ratings)
An authentic fried Chiles Rellenos recipe. Anaheim peppers are roasted and then filled with melty queso Oaxaca, coated in a delicate, soft, but slightly crispy coating and served with a warm ranchero salsa. Delicious!
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tuna salad made with eggs in a serving bowl with a wooden handled serving spoon on a blue and white woven cloth.

Tuna Salad with Chopped Eggs

4.99 (65 ratings)
This is my mom’s simple and delicious tuna egg salad recipe! This tuna salad is healthy and makes an excellent sandwich filling for a comforting meal or a protein-packed topping on mixed greens or lettuce leaves for a light lunch. It packs up great for school and road trip lunches.
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Tortitas de Camarón con Nopales guajillo chile sauce

Tortitas de Camarón con Nopales (Mexican Dried Shrimp Patties with Red Chile Sauce and Cactus)

5 (4 ratings)
Today, I'm so excited to share my recipe for Tortitas de Camarón con Nopales, a traditional Mexican dish that is perfect for Lent. Chopped nopales (cactus paddles) are cooked and simmered in a slightly spicy guajillo chile sauce then poured over dried shrimp patties for a deliciously satisfying pescatarian meal.
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Vegetarian Mexican Tostadas With Refried Beans & Guacamole on a Mexican talavera platter on a striped fabric.

Vegetarian Mexican Tostadas with Refried Beans and Guacamole

5 (2 ratings)
This dish was our go-to meal especially during Lent and still is. It doesn’t get any simpler than this recipe.
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Camarones a la Diabla cooked and ready

Camarones a la Diabla

4.75 (12 ratings)
Camarones a la Diabla are juicy large shrimp cooked in a flavorful and spicy red chile sauce.
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Serving Mexican lentil soup with a spoon inside a bowl

Sopa de Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup)

4.48 (17 ratings)
This simple and earthy Mexican Lentil Soup (Sopa de Lentejas) is a complete one-pot meal, feeds 8 to 10 people, can easily be made in 30 minutes, and is healthy and hearty packed with protein, fiber, and veggies. This tasty dish is filling and full of flavor yet light and vegetarian.
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hand-painted terracotta plate with nopales con huevo, sliced avocado, and a toasted corn tortilla.

Nopales con Huevo

4.63 (8 ratings)
Nopales con huevo is a classic Mexican dish made with cactus paddles and scrambled eggs.
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Calabacitas con Elote or Zucchini with Corn ready and served

Calabacitas con Elote (Mexican Zucchini & Corn)

4.59 (12 ratings)
Here's an easy way to make Calabacitas con Elote (Zucchini with Corn) – a zesty and satisfying side dish to have in your summer menu. The buttery creaminess of the suero catapults me to my childhood every time.
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breakfast Migas on a plate topped with salsa verde and served with flour tortillas and slices of avocado.

Migas Breakfast Tacos

4.75 (8 ratings)
Hold breakfast in your hand, Austin style! Its food for the soul folded in half and stuffed with eggs, fresh ingredients, and crunchy tortilla chips. Try this easy recipe for a taste of a Tex-Mex breakfast.
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Sopa de Fideo

4.78 (9 ratings)
Sopa de Fideo is an incredibly simple, flavorful Mexican noodle soup made with a savory tomato-based broth. It is the epitome of kid-friendly comfort food, and takes just 20 minutes to make!
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two glass goblets filled with mexican shrimp ceviche de camaron and topped with lemon and lime wedges.

Mexican Shrimp Ceviche (Ceviche de Camarón)

4.84 (12 ratings)
Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Mexican Shrimp Ceviche recipe is sure to become one of your favorite summer recipes. Made with just 11 ingredients and 15 minutes of active prep, this easy ceviche recipe is the no-cook meal of your dreams!
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table with bowls of caldo de camaron y pescado with a serving bowl of more Mexican fish soup.

Caldo de Pescado y Camaron (Fish and Shrimp Soup)

4.22 (14 ratings)
Excellent for a Lenten meal this fish stock and shrimp in a chipotle-tomato broth is slightly spicy and easy to prepare. Serve soup with lime wedges, hot sauce, and saltine crackers.
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beer battered baja fish tacos on a red platter

Beer-Battered Fish Tacos

5 (1 rating)
Mexican beer-battered cod, fried to perfection topped with chipotle cream sauce and garnished with red cabbage, thinly sliced jalapeños and radishes, pico de gallo, and avocado. Wrapped in a warm corn tortilla, this taco has the perfect level of heat and combination of textures.
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Crispy Potato tacos served on a long tray with plenty of sides next to it

Crispy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

5 (9 ratings)
Crispy potato tacos are also known as “Tacos Dorados de Papa” or “Tacos de Papa” in Spanish. If you’re looking for a vegetarian taco recipe, try these crispy tacos stuffed with a flavorful and cheesy mashed potato mixture.
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Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail)

5 (22 ratings)
This shrimp cocktail with a spicy cocktail sauce made with freshly chopped red onions, cilantro, and avocados is the perfect light and easy appetizer or healthy lunch, especially during hot months.
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mexican street corn in a mason jar with turquoise spoon.

Elote en Vaso (a.k.a. Esquites)

5 (6 ratings)
This is Mexico’s finest street dish, often sold in styrofoam cups.
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Frijoles de la Olla Recipe

4.77 (34 ratings)
A pot of freshly made Mexican frijoles or “frijoles de la olla” is my absolute favorite way to eat beans. The perfect side dish for your Mexican feast.
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pouring dressing onto grilled nopales salad

Ensalada de Nopales Asados (Grilled Cactus Paddle Salad)

5 (3 ratings)
Grilled nopales and bell peppers combined with tomato, red onion, black olives, and avocado drizzled with with a tangy, salty, and smoky dressing.
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Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding)

4.85 (161 ratings)
Capirotada is a Mexican bread pudding made with cinnamon, piloncillo, cloves, raisins, bread, and cheese. I can smell and taste the sweet warm melted cheese as I type this. Yes, you read it right…cheese. The combination of these ingredients is sure to awaken your taste buds!
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Do you practice meatless Fridays during Lent? You can find many more Mexican Lent Recipes on the blog and in my new cookbook, Muy Bueno Fiestas.

Originally published: February 2012.