If you have long wanted to try fasting, but the thought of a bland and monotonous fasting menu stops you, then you are simply unfamiliar with our step-by-step recipes for Lent. After all, if you approach the preparation of food for fasting rationally and at the same time with imagination, then you can get a varied and very tasty set of dishes for every day. Of course, one cannot say that such food will not differ much from what you are used to, but the very taste of properly prepared lean food will definitely appeal to even gourmets. And do not forget that in addition to traditional monastic recipes for Great Lent, literally every day, new options for healthy lean dishes appear, more adapted to the taste preferences of a modern person. So, next you will find simple and delicious recipes for fasting for lay believers with step-by-step instructions and photos. Also from our article you will learn what you can cook and eat during Great Lent, and what foods you should absolutely not eat.
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Diet Basics in Lent 2017 for Laymen by Day with Sample Recipes
Before proceeding to describe specific examples of recipes, it is worth saying a few words about the basics of the diet of lay believers in Lent 2017. To begin with, we note that Lent lasts 47 days and the most difficult (with days of hunger strike) are only the first and last weeks. In the rest of the weeks, the diet is divided into 3 groups:
Based on these basic rules, a lean menu is drawn up for the whole week. It is also worth noting that the daily diet for the laity during Lent (examples of recipes below) should be based exclusively on natural food. It is advisable to consume as much fresh vegetables and fruits as possible, homemade preparations for the winter, and fermented homemade products. The latter, by the way, are very rich in vitamins, in particular C, which is very important in conditions of reduced immunity in early spring. Next, you will find examples of delicious, healthy and fairly easy-to-prepare meals for every day for the Lent menu. We are sure that their taste will pleasantly surprise you, and the recipes themselves will definitely be included in your cookbook.
A delicious and simple salad for every day of Great Lent, a step by step recipe with a photo
First, we bring to your attention a step-by-step recipe with a photo of a delicious and simple salad for every day of Great Lent. It is based on affordable products - vegetables and fruits, thanks to which such a salad can be prepared at least every day. But with one amendment - on all days except weekends, the dressing should be done only from lemon juice without oil. Learn how to prepare a delicious and simple salad for every day of Great Lent from the step-by-step recipe below.
Essential ingredients for a delicious salad for every day of Great Lent
Instructions for a delicious and simple salad recipe for every day of fasting
A simple recipe for the first course for a lean menu, step by step
Hot meals must be present on the fasting menu in order to ensure the normal functioning of the stomach during the period of Lent. As a rule, cabbage soup and light vegetable soups play the role of first courses. The simple recipe for the first course for the Lenten menu, which we offer you below, belongs to the second category. A simple recipe for vegetable broth will serve as the basis for this first course for a lean menu. The number and type of vegetables in this recipe can be changed at your discretion.
Required ingredients for a first course for a Lenten menu
Instructions on how to cook the first dish for a lean menu according to a simple recipe
Cabbage cutlets for a lean menu, step by step recipe
Cabbage cutlets for a lean menu, a step-by-step recipe for which awaits your attention below, is a great option for a delicious snack. Such cutlets can be either an independent dish of lean cuisine, or a good addition to porridge and boiled potatoes. Despite the fact that these cutlets for the lean menu are made from cabbage, they are as satisfying and flavorful as their meat counterparts. See for yourself with our next step-by-step recipe.
Essential ingredients for cabbage cutlets for a lean menu
Instructions for a step-by-step recipe for cabbage cutlets for a lean menu
Vegetable stew with lentils - a step-by-step recipe for a Lent menu
Another option for a tasty and healthy second course for the Lent menu is a vegetable stew with lentils. In general, lentils are a very underrated legume in our everyday cuisine. In the meantime, she is very useful and can greatly diversify the lean menu. Learn how to cook vegetable stew with lentils from the step-by-step recipe for the menu in Lent.
Essential ingredients for Lentil Vegetable Stew in Lent
Instructions for a step-by-step recipe for vegetable stew with lentils in Lent
The recipe for a raw date dessert for every day of Great Lent, step by step instructions
Probably the most common misconception about eating during Lent is that sweets are completely excluded from the fasting menu. In fact, you can and even need to eat sweets during fasting, but only natural and without eggs in the composition. Among the simplest options for healthy and allowed desserts are honey and dried fruits. But for those who prefer desserts that are more complex in flavor combinations, we offer a recipe for raw date sweets for every day of Great Lent. The recipe for a raw date dessert for every day of fasting itself is very simple to prepare and it is easy to repeat it according to the following step-by-step instructions.
Required ingredients for a Raw Date Dessert for Lent
Instructions for a recipe for a raw date dessert for every day of fasting
On a note! If the date variety is dry and doesn't give a lot of liquid, you can add a little water or runny honey for stickiness.
Delicious Minutka cookies - a step-by-step recipe for simple baking in fasting
Lean baked goods can also be delicious, such as the simple Minutka cookie recipe below. A cookie dough is prepared from three simple components, and you can choose absolutely any filling to your taste. But best of all, the delicious Minutka cookies from the step-by-step recipe for simple baking in the post onwards, are obtained with homemade thick jam. You will learn how to prepare this simple, quick and mouth-watering delicacy below.
Essential Ingredients for Lean Delicious Minutka Biscuits
Instructions for a simple recipe for delicious Minutka cookies in fasting
Lenten food: meatless meatballs recipe for Lent 2017, video
As you can see, fasting recipes can be simple and delicious at the same time. And in general, lean food, like all meals in Lent 2017, is rich in salads, pastries, and main and first courses. Our next video recipe for Lent - meatless meatballs, also applies to lean food and is sure to please the faithful laity. Such lean food (recipe for meatless meatballs for Lent 2017), although not from the monastery recipes, is perfect for a menu for every day.
The main point of fasting is not restriction in food, but the purification of the soul. However, mental health and bodily health are closely related.
Therefore, you should not go to extremes and compose your lean menu for every day from water and bread.
We offer a menu that excludes foods prohibited in fasting. In the ingredients of recipes does not include meat and meat products, milk and dairy products, fish, eggs.
At the same time, food remains varied and healthy: it contains a lot of vegetables, fruits, legumes, cereals. The menu even includes lean pastries, but if you decide to do without sweets during the fast, then you can exclude them. All links are clickable and lead to pages with lean recipes. At the very end there is also a list of à la carte products for every day.
Breakfast.
Dinner.
Afternoon snack.
Dinner.
Nutritionist's comment:Wheat porridge. Wheat is an excellent source of dietary fiber and makes you feel full. It also contains vit E, F, B1, B2, B6, C, PP, carotene, niacin, choline, biotin, folacin and trace elements (potassium, magnesium, sulfur, selenium, chromium, zinc). Pea soup. Legumes as a source of protein are a must-have on a lean menu. A fruit basket cake is a fairly high-calorie dessert, but if you lead an active lifestyle, then you can pamper yourself. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, then such a dessert can be transferred to lunch. Sauerkraut salad with potatoes and mushrooms. In order not to gain excess weight, it is preferable not to eat more than 50 g of potatoes in the evening. |
Breakfast.
Dinner.
Afternoon snack. Fruit of your choice
Dinner.(without butter and eggs) +
Breakfast.
Dinner.
Afternoon snack.Fruit of your choice
Dinner.
Breakfast.
Dinner.
Afternoon snack.
Dinner.
Breakfast.
Dinner.
Afternoon snack.
Dinner. +
Breakfast.
Dinner.
Afternoon snack.
Dinner.
Breakfast.
Dinner.
Afternoon snack.
Dinner. +
The proposed menu must be supplemented with sufficient fresh vegetables and fruits.
Vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, herbs
Zucchini - 3 pcs.
Zucchini - 1 pc.
Onions - 1 kg
Tomato - 2 kg
Garlic - 3 heads
Chili pepper - 1/2 pod
White cabbage - 1 kg
Sauerkraut - 200 g
Potatoes - 2 kg
Carrots - 500 g
Sun-dried tomatoes - 15-20 pieces
Cucumber - 3 pcs.
Eggplant - 1 pc.
Sweet pepper - 4 pcs.
Banana - 1 piece
Apple - 3 pcs.
Orange - 3 pcs.
Lemon - 3 pcs.
Pomegranate - 1/2 pc.
Pear - 3 pieces
Strawberry - 100 g
Raspberries - 100 g
Blueberries - 100 g
Fruit - to taste and availability for baskets
Parsley - 4 bunches + to taste
Mint - 1 bunch
Cilantro - 1 bunch
Dill - 2 tbsp. l. + to taste
Basil - 1 bunch
Forest mushrooms - 550 g
Champignons - 12 pcs. (large)
Dry mushrooms - 30 g
Any fruit - as much as you want for a snack
Cereals, pasta, legumes
Wheat - 350 g (coarsely ground, medium-ground wheat, bulgur is also suitable)
Peas - 1 tbsp.
Oatmeal flakes - 160 g
Rice - 0.5 tbsp.
Bulgur - 0.5 tbsp.
Pearl barley - 200 g
Noodles - 40 g (or noodles, or other small pasta)
Chickpeas - 200 g
Pasta - 300 g
Buckwheat - 1 tbsp.
Nuts, dried fruits, seeds
Dried apricots - 6-8 pcs.
Almonds - 70 g
Pine nuts - 30 g
Walnuts - 50 g
Cashew nuts - 190 g
Pumpkin seeds - 3 tbsp. l.
Groceries and other products
Tomato paste - 300 g
Tomatoes in their own juice - 150 g
Brown sugar - 200 g
Sugar - 250 g
Powdered sugar - for dusting
Vegetable oil - 600 g
Olive oil - 500 g
Grape seed oil - 150 g
Honey - 125 g
Wheat flour - 1 kg 750 g
Whole grain flour - 140 g (wheat)
Flaxseed flour - 1 tablespoon (ground flaxseed)
Baking dough - 1.5 tsp.
Dry yeast - 10 g
Live yeast - 20 g
Vinegar - 1 tsp
Apple cider vinegar - 1 tsp
Wine red vinegar - 1 tbsp. l.
Balsamic vinegar - 1.5 tbsp. l.
Canned beans - 650 g
Soda - 0.5 tsp.
Coconut flakes - 40 g
Black tea - 1 tablespoon
Capers - 1 tbsp l.
Rye bread for croutons and sandwiches
Coconut milk - 1 dessert spoon
Vegetable broth - 2.5 l
Dry white wine - 70 g
Apple juice - 420 ml
Soy milk - 255 ml
Condiments, spices
Salt - 15 g + to taste
Cinnamon - 2 tsp ground + 2 sticks
Cumin - 1 tsp (seeds)
Bay leaf - 3 leaves
Black pepper - to taste
Badian - 1 star
Ground nutmeg - 1 tsp
Sweet paprika - 1 pinch
Hops-suneli - 1/2 tsp
Sesame paste - 1 tbsp l. (Tkhina)
Zira - to taste
Thyme - 0.5 tsp dried
Oregano - 0.5 tsp dried
Rosemary - 2-3 sprigs
Grain mustard - 1 tsp
Soy sauce - 2 tbsp l.
A set of spices - to taste
Be healthy in body and soul!
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Fasting for a believer is a special time, a time of prayer and deep thoughts.
During this period, human nutrition also changes greatly, serious restrictions are imposed on it. With an improperly organized diet during fasting, a deterioration in the general condition and even exacerbation of some diseases is possible. On the other hand, fasting is a time of purification, including the physical one. Therefore, from the point of view of medicine, fasting is a completely reasonable event, only with the proviso that you need to approach it thoughtfully.
Let me make a reservation right away that you can learn about the spiritual meaning of fasting by contacting your spiritual mentor. Here I want to consider fasting from the perspective of a nutritionist.
Nutritionist's comment:I would like to start the lean menu with a traditional breakfast in an unusual way. Oatmeal contains complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, plant proteins, B vitamins. To maintain health, an adult should consume at least 400 g of vegetables daily (and preferably more). Unfortunately, very few people can boast of such a diet. One way to enrich your menu with vegetables is with light vegetable salads. These salads are “light” both in performance and in terms of calorie content. In addition to vegetable protein, lentils contain folic acid and iron. In the recipe for green beans, butter must be replaced with olive oil. |
What is the characteristic of the time allotted by the Orthodox Church for fasting? This is the time of abstinence and restraint, the time when a person torments his body so that the soul can be “nourished”.
The main rule (without going into subtleties) is - the absence of animal products in food. Which refers to this:
If you limit your diet like this, you will be fasting. A true pastor of souls will tell you that without even delving into the subtleties and daily prohibitions and permissions - you are walking the path of abstinence and humility of your flesh.
Practically, if we analyze the “lean” cuisine, then it is 99% the same as the vegetarian one.
In this collection, we have collected for you recipes for lean (or otherwise vegetarian) dishes that you can cook during the fast. And believe me - it's delicious!
At the beginning of each recipe, there is an exact list of the ingredients that this dish is made from. But a detailed cooking process with step-by-step instructions and nuances, you can find by clicking on the link on the word "HERE". All recipes are tried and tested. The final photo of the actually cooked dish, then what will happen with you.
Would need:
In this cooking option, eggplants are the main ingredients. Vegetable sauté is easy to cook in a short time, but the end result is a rich, aromatic and, most importantly, delicious dish. It will be both a good side dish and an excellent independent dish. For details on the process of making sautéed vegetables and photo instructions, see.
Would need:
This dish is originally from Catalonia (Spain). The Escalivada is not difficult to prepare, but the dish turns out to be wonderful! It is preferable for him to cook vegetables on a wire rack - then they will acquire an irreplaceable aroma, and not just baked, and your Escalivada will turn out to be really wonderful! For details on the cooking process of this dish with photo instructions, see.
Would need:
Simple and tasty - this is the motto of this dish! Many people have already liked the combination of these products, and how could it be otherwise? It takes a little time to prepare, but the result is a delicious and aromatic meal. In addition, it is very nutritious, because there are many useful substances in buckwheat. You can find out in detail how to cook buckwheat porridge with mushrooms.
Would need:
Usually stews are cooked with meat and all the ingredients are stewed in a rich sauce or fried. This version of the stew is exactly vegetable, without meat, and all vegetables will be stewed in their own juice, so it is suitable for people who observe fasting and vegetarians. You will find a detailed recipe with a photo step by step
For cooking you will need:
Barley porridge, like buckwheat, is a Russian national food. Together with vegetables, this porridge acquires a pleasant taste, moreover, it is good for the body to assimilate and, in general, is very beneficial for it. And the carrots and sauce give the dish a beautiful color. For a step-by-step recipe for barley porridge with vegetables, click.
Rice with frozen vegetables
Would need:
Because of the frozen food, it is good to cook this dish in the winter, when the choice of fresh vegetables is rather scarce. But vitamins in the winter period are even more needed by our body, so lunch will turn out to be healthy. This rice will win you over with its fragrant aroma and excellent taste! Click to learn the recipe step by step.
Vegetarian pilaf (with mushrooms)
You will need:
This recipe is just for those other than the mainstream who are fasting and for vegetarians. Pilaf turns out to be crumbly and with a pleasant aroma. Raisins add an unusual but pleasant sweetness, and they are also rich in nutrients. This dish will not leave anyone indifferent. And for details about the process of preparing this dish with photo instructions, see.
Sweet pilaf
You will need:
Most often, pilaf is cooked salty, and sweet pilaf is not typical on our tables. Kids will love this recipe and won't need to be persuaded to eat their lunch. In addition to this, it is healthy and nutritious. See how to cook sweet pilaf step by step.
You will need:
This salad looks bright and sophisticated, so there is also a place for it on the festive table. This dish is suitable for raw foodists because all salad ingredients are used raw. How to cook this wonderful salad step by step with a photo, you will learn by clicking.
salads in post recipes with photos
Would need:
Ordinary products, which are always in the house, are wonderfully combined in a salad, which can be prepared both for a celebration and for an ordinary family dinner. A classic vinaigrette is not difficult to prepare, but you get a beautiful and satisfying salad. You will learn the step-by-step preparation of this salad.
Would need:
The cabbage for this recipe comes out appetizing and crispy. Although the shelf life of Petrovsky salted cabbage is somewhat shorter than ordinary sauerkraut, as a rule, it is eaten very quickly - it is very tasty. For details on the cooking process of this dish with photo instructions, see.
What products will you need:
This is a recipe for delicious-tasting Korean carrots! Bright carrots will decorate your table, and your family will be delighted, and guests will ask for a recipe! The dish turns out to be not very spicy and aromatic. You will learn how to prepare this salad step by step.
What is needed with a prescription:
A bright, spicy and aromatic salad that many people love. It can often be seen on our tables, although it was brought from distant Korea. Beetroot according to this recipe goes well with any side dish, having a spicy and special taste. This vegetable is rich in iron, which is another reason to make this salad. For details on the cooking process of this dish with photo instructions, see.
You will need:
In this salad, products perfectly complement each other in taste and color. The dish turns out to be beautiful, in addition to this, all the ingredients have a beneficial effect on the body. The salad acquired this name due to its richness of vitamins - their quantity in one serving completely replenishes the required volume for the day. You will learn how to cook Vitamin Bomb salad step by step by clicking.
For lean pie dough, take:
The filling is prepared from the following products:
Well, a very good recipe! The pies are delicate and very tasty because the dough is thin and tender. Cooking does not take much time and the process is absolutely simple. And, of course, this dish is suitable for those who are fasting, as there are no animal products in the recipe. You will learn how to cook these wonderful pies step by step by clicking.
You will need:
This appetizer was invented in the East. Peas are taken as the base product of hummus, so the dish turns out to be quite satisfying. One sandwich with this appetizer will keep you feeling full for a long time. For details on the preparation process of this oriental snack with photo instructions, see.
Would need:
Such a common and uncomplicated, in fact, recipe, loved by many. Only in traditional cooking methods, due to the long stewing, does the cabbage become extremely soft and loses all vitamins. According to the recipe we offer, the cabbage comes out juicy, fragrant, with a beautiful golden color, and the preparation itself will take about 30-40 minutes. Serve this dish with potatoes for a good combination. In addition, this cabbage is well suited as a filling for dumplings. For details on the cooking process of this dish with photo instructions, see.
You will need:
It will take a little time to cook, and besides, it will not be difficult to cook. Stewed cabbage with oyster mushrooms is quite satisfying and tasty, and the unique aroma will not leave anyone indifferent. For details on the cooking process of this dish with photo instructions, see.
Would need:
Yes, that's all - 2 bananas. Despite the small list of ingredients, ice cream can really be made even at home. And it turns out very tasty! Once you've tasted it, you'll want to cook it over and over again. You will learn how to make banana ice cream step by step by clicking.
You will need:
Such dried fruit bars energize, tone up the body and saturate well. These delicious bars also have a positive effect on the body, because these dried fruits contain a large amount of vitamins. For details on the cooking process of this dish with photo instructions, see.
What we cook from:
Apples according to this recipe are very juicy and tasty. The union of these products is incomparably beneficial for the body. And the fragrance that spreads leaves an indelible impression. For details on the cooking process of this dish with photo instructions, see.
To prepare 100 grams of oatmeal, you need to take:
One of the healthiest breakfasts is oatmeal combined with dried fruits. And, of course, in winter, when our body needs more nutrients than usual, such a meal will be very useful. It turns out to cook such porridge without wasting time and effort. Porridge turns out to be softer from oatmeal, and it cooks faster, so it is preferable to take them for cooking. How to cook oatmeal with dried fruits, see step by step
Believe it or not, you can even bake an apple pie with lean foods. This is delicious. Detailed recipe and photos of the stages. And here is the miracle lean pie in the photo.
This recipe is very, very suitable for fasting, there is no milk in it, but softness due to the small amount of applesauce.
Ingredients:
The recipe is incredibly simple. You probably already understood everything from the list of products, but it's still worth looking at the detailed instructions. Here is a link to step by step photos and descriptions.
Fasting of the Holy Lent is called Great Lent due to the special importance of its establishment. Traditionally, the Holy Forty and all divine services begin with Maslenitsa (cheese-season) Vespers. During the evening service on Forgiveness Sunday, when there is a rite or rite of general forgiveness in the church.
Lent was established mainly in memory of the forty-day fast of Jesus Christ, who soon after His baptism withdrew into the wilderness and fasted there (Matthew 4: 2), as well as in memory of the forty-day fast of Moses (Exodus 34, 28) and Elijah ( 1 Kings 19: 8).
There is evidence from ancient times that the fast was established by the apostles and lasted forty days almost from the beginning of its establishment, and the very name "Forty-day" is often found in ancient written records.
However, the fast of the Holy Lent (which lasted 40 days everywhere) was observed in the ancient Church not at the same time. This depended on the unequal calculation of the days of fasting and the days when it was permitted. In the Eastern Churches, the order of observance of Great Lent that still exists today was established in the 4th century.
Great Lent consists of forty days of fasting (Forty days) and the fast of Passion Week "for the sake of the saving passions" of Christ. The Apostolic Decrees about Great Lent say: "May this fast (Forty days) be performed before the fast of Easter (Holy Week)" (Book 5, Chapter I).
The ancient Christians observed Great Lent with particular rigor, refraining even from eating water until the ninth (third in the afternoon) hour of the day. The food was eaten after the ninth hour, using bread and vegetables. Meat, milk, cheese, eggs were prohibited.
The rules for observing Great Lent are also reflected in the Church Statutes. During the first and Passion Weeks, the Orthodox Church prescribes to keep an especially strict fast. On Monday and Tuesday of the first week, it is prescribed to observe the highest degree of fasting: "It is by no means appropriate to eat food." In the rest of the weeks of fasting, except for Saturdays and Sundays, there is dry eating. On Saturdays and Sundays, boiled food with oil (vegetable oil) is allowed. And only on the feast of the Annunciation, if it does not fall on Holy Week, is it allowed to eat fish.
The Church strictly condemns those who break Great Lent, but, acting in the spirit of God's love and mercy, it does not impose the rules of fasting in its entirety on children, the sick, the weak and the elderly, does not alienate them from participating in the joy of communion and Easter. But the weak in body, like the healthy, are obliged to perform deeds of love and mercy during Great Lent and, like in other fasts, to keep spiritual fast from sins.
In numerous stichera and troparions of the services of the Holy Lent, the Church explains the essence of true fasting as a means of spiritual rebirth: a time of spiritual achievement, strengthening oneself in self-denial, and mortifying sinful desires. Therefore, in hymns, the Church calls the Holy Forty-day a merry time of fasting.