Holy Week Food Recipes for You and Your Family

Faith through Food Traditions: Holy Week Recipes for You

During this solemn period, many devout individuals choose to avoid eating meat as a form of penance and reflection. This collection of recipes offers a diverse array of delectable and healthy dishes that honor these traditions while nourishing the body and soul.

From flavorful vegetarian options to nutrient-rich seafood creations, each recipe is crafted with a mindful approach to providing sustenance during this holy time.

Embracing the spirit of unity and devotion, these Holy Week recipes invite individuals to come together, not only to share a meal but also to deepen their connection with faith through the shared experience of preparing and enjoying these thoughtful dishes.

Holy Week food recipes to consider this season

Filipino recipes

Filipino recipes hold a distinctive place in the culinary tapestry, reflecting a rich blend of flavors, cultural influences, and a deep connection to traditions. Particularly during Holy Week, a time of solemn observance, Filipino cuisine shines with a variety of meatless recipes that offer both nourishment and reverence.

From the beloved Ginataang Mais (sweet corn in coconut milk) to the flavorful Laing (taro leaves in spicy coconut milk), these meatless dishes are crafted with precision to align with the spirit of penance and reflection.

Accompanied by a generous serving of hot steamed rice, a staple in every Filipino meal, these recipes not only satiate the palate but also evoke a sense of comfort and home. The emphasis on simplicity, vibrant flavors, and the comforting warmth of hot steamed rice make Filipino recipes, especially during Holy Week, a true celebration of both culinary excellence and cultural identity.

Sinigang na Bangus

Sinigang na Bangus is a classic Filipino dish that perfectly embodies the flavors of Holy Week. This tamarind-infused sour soup features flaky milkfish “bangus” and a mix of vegetables, making it both delicious and nourishing. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:

Ingredients:

2 lbs. bangus, cleaned and sliced

4 cups water

1 medium onion, sliced

2 tomatoes, wedged

½ cup tamarind paste (or 1 packet tamarind mix)

1 bunch kangkong (water spinach), leaves and stems cut into bite-sized pieces

10 okra pods, sliced diagonally

1 small eggplant, sliced

1 long green chili pepper (siling pansigang), sliced (optional)

2 tablespoons fish sauce (adjust to taste)

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Salt to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the onions and tomatoes, and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add the Sour Element: Dissolve the tamarind paste in a small amount of warm water. Pour the tamarind mixture into the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust the sourness to your preference by adding more tamarind or water.

Simmer the Fish: Carefully add the bangus slices and simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the fish, as it can become flaky and fall apart.

Introduce the Vegetables: Add the okra, eggplant, and kangkong. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Seasoning and Spice: Stir in the fish sauce, black pepper, and salt to taste. If using, add the sliced chili pepper for an extra kick.

Serve and Enjoy: Turn off the heat and let the flavors meld for a minute or two. Serve hot with a generous portion of steamed rice.

Pinakbet

Pinakbet is a beloved Filipino stew that bursts with flavor and color, making it a perfect addition to your Holy Week table. Traditionally, it features pork belly, but this recipe offers a delicious meatless variation that honors the spirit of the season.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup chopped peeled shrimp (optional)

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup vegetable broth

½ teaspoon shrimp paste (bagoong alamang)

1 medium kabocha squash (or calabaza), peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces

½ cup okra, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

½ cup yardlong beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

½ cup eggplant, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 small bitter melon (ampalaya), seeded and sliced into ½-inch rounds

1 bunch spinach, roughly chopped

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Incorporate the Shrimp (Optional): If using, add the chopped shrimp and cook for an additional minute or two, until just pink.

Build the Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, and shrimp paste. Bring to a simmer and let the flavors meld for 5 minutes.

Introducing the Vegetables: Add the kabocha squash, okra, and yardlong beans. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the squash starts to soften.

Layering the Flavors: Add the eggplant and bitter melon. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes, until the eggplant is tender-crisp and the bitter melon loses its raw edge.

Finishing Touches: Stir in the spinach and cook just until wilted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve and Savor: Turn off the heat and let the flavors sit for a minute or two. Serve hot with a generous portion of steamed rice.

What to Eat During Holy Week: Delicious Vegetable Dishes

Dishes to Try during the Lenten Season

As the Lenten Season unfolds in the Philippines, a culinary journey awaits, inviting you to savor a tapestry of dishes that perfectly align with the spirit of reflection and reverence. Embrace the traditions of Holy Week with an array of delectable meatless options that pay homage to Filipino culinary heritage. From the iconic Sinigang na Bangus (Milkfish Sour Soup) to the flavorful Ginataang Gulay (Vegetables in Coconut Milk), these dishes not only satisfy the palate but also resonate with the cultural significance of the season. Picture the communal gatherings during Holy Week, as families come together to share the warmth of a steaming bowl of Pinoy-style Guisadong Monggo (Sautéed Mung Beans) served with a side of fluffy white rice. In each bite, experience the essence of Lent, where Filipino cuisine becomes a testament to both spiritual devotion and the rich flavors that define this sacred time.

Ginataang Tilapia

Tender tilapia bathes in a creamy coconut milk sauce, brightened by ginger and earthy with leafy greens.

Inihaw na Pusit

Skewered and grilled squid, charred to smoky perfection and seasoned with a hint of sweetness and tang.

Sinigang na Hipon

Shrimp in a tart and savory tamarind broth, brightened by vegetables, in this classic Filipino sour soup.

Lumpiang Sariwa

Lumpiang Sariwa are fresh spring rolls packed with crisp vegetables, and sometimes a surprising touch of sweetness from sweet potatoes.

Tortang Talong

Tortang talong is a savory omelette where tender, pan-fried eggplant slices are enveloped in a fluffy egg batter.

Halabos na Hipon

Halabos na Hipon is a simple yet flavorful dish of plump shrimp bathed in a garlicky, lemony sauce.

Baked Salmon

Flaky, tender salmon with a golden brown crust, bursting with fresh herbs and lemon flavor.

Adobong Pusit

Tender squid bathes in a savory of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and aromatics, creating a delightful dance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors in Adobong Pusit.

Lumpiang Toge

Lumpiang toge are crispy Filipino spring rolls bursting with fresh mung bean sprouts and crunchy julienned vegetables.

Ginisang Ampalaya

Ginisang Ampalaya is a dish featuring sauteed bitter melon slices balanced by the comforting richness of scrambled eggs.

Seafood Kare-Kare

Seafood Kare-Kare offers a delightful twist on the traditional kare-kare, swapping the oxtail for a rich and flavorful seafood medley bathed in a creamy peanut sauce.

Ginataang Bilo-Bilo

Simmered in creamy coconut milk, Ginataang Bilo-Bilo features chewy glutinous rice balls bobbing alongside colorful vegetables and sago pearls for a delightful and heartwarming dessert.

Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa with Crab

Savory crab meat nestled amongst green string beans and melt-in-your-mouth calabaza adding coconut milk broth.

Buttered Garlic Shrimp

Plump shrimp bathed in a golden butter sauce, infused with the aromatic depth of garlic, promise a burst of juicy sweetness in every bite.

Other Activities To Do During the Lenten Season

Beyond abstaining from meat, Lent offers a variety of ways to deepen your faith and connect with your community. Here are some activities to consider:

Prayer and Reflection:

Dedicate time each day to prayer or meditation. Consider using a daily devotional or scripture readings to guide your reflection.

Increased Church Attendance:

Make a conscious effort to attend Mass or church services more frequently during Lent.

Volunteer Work:

Give back to your community by volunteering at a local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or animal rescue.

Simple Acts of Kindness:

Perform random acts of kindness for others, like helping a neighbor carry groceries or writing a heartfelt note to someone you care about.

Fasting from Technology:

Consider taking a break from social media, television, or other forms of technology to create space for quiet reflection.

Study and Discussion:

Join a Bible study group or participate in discussions about the meaning of Lent and its significance in your faith.

Creative Expression:

Use art, music, or writing as a way to explore your faith and connect with the spiritual aspects of Lent.

Simple Living:

Practice mindful consumption by reducing your spending and focusing on experiences rather than material possessions.

Charitable Giving:

Donate to a cause you care about or participate in a fundraising event for a worthy organization.

Remember, Lent is a personal journey. Choose activities that resonate with you and help you grow closer to your faith.