Gave Up Meat For Lent? Here's Some Tasty Help

Abstaining from meat during Lent is a tradition meant to help the believer focus their thoughts on the upcoming Easter holiday. Whether you've chosen to participate in this Christian tradition, or are just looking for some new, meatless recipes, the benefits of meat-free meals abound. Vegetarian meals are a healthy way to provide variety to your diet, and are inexpensive enough that they'll be sure to trim some dollars off of your grocery budget! Here are a few ideas for vegetarian dinners that will please even the biggest meat-lover's palate.

Pasta with Roasted Cauliflower, Chickpeas and Ricotta – Nutty, crisp chickpeas and roasted cauliflower are combined with pasta shells and topped with a dollop of ricotta cheese to make a protein-packed meatless pasta dish.

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/shells-with-roasted-cauliflower-chickpeas-and-ricotta

Stewed Collard Greens and White Beans – Served with a side of oven-roasted potatoes, or some crusty bread, this delicious combination of healthy greens and beans makes a delicious meal.

http://www.wholeliving.com/recipe/stewed-collard-greens-and-white-beans

Black Bean, Corn and Zucchini Enchiladas – You won't miss the meat in these veggie and bean enchiladas. Serve with a side of Spanish rice and you've got a vegetarian fiesta!

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001611704

Mediterranean Pizza – Eggplant and pine nuts top this vegetarian pizza.

http://www.food.com/recipe/Mediterranean-Pizza-301883

If you're not much of a cook yourself, there are a variety of restaurants in the area that offer vegetarian meals as well. , for instance, has vegetarian choices on its menu. The and offer vegetarian choices as well.

Nearby in Glen Burnie also offers vegetarian meals, while chain restaurants like and can offer vegetarian options upon request. All in all, while giving up meat for Lent might seem difficult, it doesn't have to be a punishment! Take the chance to experience something new.