How We Flourish

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February 18, 2015 by How We Flourish

Paleo/Primal Lent Recipes

I may receive a commission if you purchase something mentioned in this post. See more details here.

Happy Ash Wednesday! Lent is here!

As a Catholic, I fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and I abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent. A lot of people find this difficult. In the SAD (Standard American Diet) world, most people fall back on tuna hot dish and the like. In the real food, and especially paleo, world, what is one to do on a day without meat?

Well, the good news is that this is not a vegan day. The following animal products are still permissible:

  • Fish
  • Animal fat (tip – for recipes that have bacon, remove the bacon and cook the recipe with lard)
  • Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Bone broth and gelatin

After one too many encounters with people getting really excited because “Lent means we get to eat fish!”, I now prefer to avoid fish on Fridays. Fridays in Lent are suppose to be days of sacrifice, and fish tends to be a higher class protein source in our society. To illustrate this, take a look at this suggestion the priest gave us this past Sunday:

Lent is about sacrifice and simplifying. Figure out how much money you would normally spend on food over (time period), and try to simplify you eating. Keep track of how much you spend on food, and donate the savings to a food shelf.


While not all of these recipes may be considered simple, I challenge you to take this suggestion to heart! For example, instead of going out for sushi or mahi-mahi, considering going vegetarian on these days.

However, at the same time, I realize that is is not necessarily sustainable for everyone, especially those on intense healing diets, such as AIP or GAPS. Know that those with health reasons to avoid fasting and abstinence are not required to do so. Yet some may still want to. Do the best you can. When I first published this post last year, I ate no meat or fish on Fridays. This year, however, I will be eating fish for one meal. I feel strong enough to abstain from meat, but not enough to cut all flesh, all day.


All of the following recipes fit the paleo diet – no gluten, grains, legumes, or processed ingredients. They are also sugar-free for those of you who gave that up for Lent. Note that some of the recipes are primal (they have dairy). I have marked these, as well as any that are AIP or GAPS-friendly. Enjoy!

And make sure you check out Veggie Staples. All the recipes on this site are gluten, meat, dairy and refined-sugar free. Most are also paleo and/or vegan – a great resource for Lent!

Meat-Free Recipes

Paleo and Primal Lent Recipes

Shakshuka (Eggs Baked in Tomato Sauce) from Economies of Kale

Since I like to eat vegetarian recipes on Fridays, these are first in line!

  • Shakshuka (Eggs Baked in Tomato Sauce) from Economies of Kale – this would make an AMAZING breakfast as well! – Full GAPS
  • Coconut Rice Veggie Stir Fry from Raia’s Recipes – Contains rice; substitute with cauli-rice and use compliant spices to make AIP or Full GAPS
  • Spaghetti Squash with Creamy White Sauce from Raia’s Recipes – Contains dairy; Full GAPS
  • Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash Pizza from Raia’s Recipes – Can fit whatever dietary restrictions you want!
  • Paleo Alfredo from Meatified – Eliminate bacon; AIP, use a different veggie noodle for Full GAPS
  • Spaghetti Squash Pesto from So…Let’s Hang Out – Contains optional dairy; Full GAPS
  • Pizza Casserole from Food Your Body Will Thank You For – Contains dairy

Soup Recipes

Paleo Lent Recipes

Dairy-Free “Cheesy” Potato Soup from Plaid & Paleo

At my church we have soup supper every Friday. Here are some great ideas!

  • Cream of Sweet Potato Soup from Paleo Gone Sassy
  • Paleo Egg Drop Soup from Paleo Gone Sassy – Full GAPS
  • Creamy Fish Chowder from Raia’s Recipes – Contains potatoes and dairy
  • Carrot Mint Soup from Food Your Body Will Thank You For – contains dairy, Full GAPS
  • Spiced Sweet Potato Soup from Food Your Body Will Thank You For
  • Dairy-Free “Cheesy” Potato Soup from Plaid & Paleo
  • Winter Veggies in Spiced Coconut Milk from Phoenix Helix
  • Creamy Pureed Soup from Divine Health from the Inside Out – omit dairy for AIP and GAPS Stage One
  • Egg Drop Soup from How We Flourish – GAPS Stage Three

Sides and Basics

Paleo and Primal Lent Recipes

Parsnip Mash from Pure and Simple Nourishment

  • Cabbage Noodles from Empowered Sustenance – AIP, Full GAPS
  • Mashed Cauliflower from The Paleo Mom – AIP, GAPS Stage One
  • Butternut Gnocchi from Healy Real Food Vegetarian
  • Plantain and Apple Fritters from Plaid & Paleo – AIP
  • Cauliflower Rice from Primal Palate – AIP, Full GAPS
  • Parsnip Mash from Pure and Simple Nourishment – AIP (omit spices)

Fish Recipes

Paleo Lent Recipes

Quick and Easy Fried Fish from Raia’s Recipes

Eight fish recipes – one for every Friday in Lent (plus an extra!), so you can be well fed all 40+ days!

  • Quick and Easy Fried Fish from Raia’s Recipes – AIP, GAPS Stage 4
  • Halibut with Garlic from Paleo Gone Sassy – Use coconut oil for AIP, GAPS Stage 4
  • Slammin’ Salmon from Cavegirl Cuisine – AIP, Full GAPS
  • How to Cook Pan Fried Cod from Oh Snap Let’s Eat – Contains potato starch
  • Crispy Coconut Fried Talapia from Raia’s Recipes – AIP, Full GAPS
  • Delicious Salmon Cakes from Good Food Eating
  • Thai Spiced Steamed Fish from Good Food Eating – eliminate red chili for AIP, GAPS Stage 4
  • Pesto Pan Fried Fish with Veggies from Good Food Eating – Full GAPS

Breakfast Recipes

Paleo Lent Recipes

Coconut Blueberry Oatmeal from Pure and Simple Nourishment

All of the above meals are great for any meal, but here are some wonderful Lenten breakfasts. Also great options for Brinner (breakfast for dinner)!

  • Spinach and Kale Quiche from The Organic Kitchen – Eliminate bacon, and use whichever crust (or none!) fits your dietary needs; contains dairy
  • Kale Omelet from Economies of Kale – Full GAPS
  • Simple Sweet Pepper Frittata from Our Small Hours – contains dairy, Full GAPS
  • Spinach and Feta Frittata from Our Small Hours – contains dairy
  • Sp-egg-etti Squash Bites from Food Your Body Will Thank You For – contains dairy, Full GAPS with compliant cheese
  • Coconut Blueberry Oatmeal from Pure and Simple Nourishment – AIP, Full GAPS

Breads and Snacks

Quick! If you are doing a Whole30 or gave up baked goods for Lent, look away! If not, have no fear: these recipes are paleo, meat-free, and sugar-free

  • Baguettes from Healing, Yoga, and Qigong – contains a small amount of sugar to activate yeast
  • Coconut Bread with Zucchini from Healing, Yoga, and Qigong

Do you have any favorite paleo Lent recipes?

Pin it:

Paleo and Primal Lent RecipesShared on Allergy Free Wednesday.

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Welcome! I'm Chloe. I have a passion for creating a healthy life and a healthy environment. Join me as I explore homemade and reusable products, essential oils, and real food. Look around a bit. I look forward to getting to know you. Read More…

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Comments

  1. Raia says

    March 5, 2014 at 2:09 pm

    Great round-up! Thanks for including some of my recipes. 🙂 I’ll be sharing & pinning it. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Jedha says

    March 5, 2014 at 2:57 pm

    Thanks for including some of my recipes, I will also be sharing and pinning. Makes a great resource for people who will be joining you for lent 🙂

    Reply
  3. Caryn says

    March 6, 2014 at 7:32 pm

    Thanks very much. We aren’t exactly Paleo, but we are gluten and corn free. We always do low carb and sugar free for lent. We’re also Catholic, too. I really appreciate the time you took to create this list.

    Reply
    • How We Flourish says

      March 6, 2014 at 7:40 pm

      Thank you, I’m glad you like it!

      Reply
  4. Caitlin says

    March 10, 2014 at 6:49 pm

    Hello! This caught my eye becasue it’s something I struggle with. I’m Eastern Orthodox, which means we are supposed to fast from all animal products during Lent. No meat, dairy, eggs, fish, (technially we’re not even supposed to use oil, but most people do). That’s the entire Lent, which they claim is 40 days, but it’s actually 54 because there is a “warm up” week before Lent starts when you can eat dairy but no meat, and Lent ends the Friday before Holy Week, which is supped to be even stricter fasting. Before learning about nutrition, I pretty much just lived on pb sandwiches and soy products and sweet potatoes during Lent, but now that I know how my body feels with real nutiriton, I have a very hard time getting through the fast. Last year both my husband and I were doing great and had lost weight and we gained it back during Lent despite trying hard to eat quality food. Do you have any suggestions or ideas for basically “vegan” food that is actually healthy and nutritious? I used to love Lent because of the community feeling and services and the beauty of it, but now I dread it because of what it does to my body. My body doesn’t handle 50+ days of empty carbs anymore…thanks for any advice!!

    Reply
    • How We Flourish says

      March 10, 2014 at 9:14 pm

      Have you checked out http://www.megsvegucation.com/

      She is vegetarian, mostly paleo, and mostly vegan. I’m going to edit her site into the post – I totally forgot about her and she’s a great resource!

      Reply
      • Caitlin says

        March 11, 2014 at 7:12 pm

        Thanks I will check that out. I want to be able to actively participate in our fasting without feelig resentful that its hurting my body. Hopefully your resources will help!

        Reply
      • Eimear says

        August 17, 2022 at 1:50 pm

        Hi Chloe,

        I was browsing for the same type of fasting and came across this comment. I followed the link you shared, but it seems it’s no longer valid. I tried to google for megsvegucation and came across some recipes on Pinterest that cannot be accessed. Do you happen to know if she is now posting on another platform?

        Thank you

        Reply
        • How We Flourish says

          October 4, 2022 at 1:17 pm

          Thanks for the heads up! I’ve updated the link to her new website.

          Reply
  5. Eileen @ Phoenix Helix says

    February 16, 2015 at 11:35 am

    Thanks for including me, Chloe. Wishing you a blessed season!

    Reply
    • How We Flourish says

      February 16, 2015 at 11:39 am

      You, too, Eileen! That soup looks amazing.

      Reply
  6. Rachel Ball (@grokgrub) says

    February 19, 2015 at 8:01 am

    That suggestion by the priest is great!

    Reply
    • How We Flourish says

      February 19, 2015 at 9:06 am

      Thanks! I thought so, too.

      Reply
  7. reneekohley says

    February 19, 2015 at 1:27 pm

    Great round up idea! These meals all look great!

    Reply
    • How We Flourish says

      February 19, 2015 at 4:00 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  8. Rachel Marie (at Day2day joys) says

    February 19, 2015 at 1:40 pm

    Great list for any time of the year too! We don’t necessarily practice lent but we do do a biblical Daniel fast every year. These recipes are great for both!

    Reply
    • How We Flourish says

      February 19, 2015 at 4:00 pm

      Great! Thank you!

      Reply
  9. emilysv says

    February 19, 2015 at 2:15 pm

    Lots of great recipes in this collection!

    Reply
    • How We Flourish says

      February 19, 2015 at 4:01 pm

      They all look really tasty. 🙂

      Reply
  10. Raine Saunders says

    February 19, 2015 at 5:31 pm

    These all look beautiful and delicious Chloe! Wonderful pictures. I am so hungry now. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • How We Flourish says

      February 19, 2015 at 9:14 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  11. Jessica says

    February 19, 2015 at 5:42 pm

    Great collection of recipes. Thanks for putting it together.

    Reply
  12. linda spiker says

    February 19, 2015 at 6:19 pm

    Nice collection! Thanks for including my quiche!

    Reply
    • How We Flourish says

      February 19, 2015 at 9:14 pm

      Of course! It looks delicious!

      Reply
  13. Megan Stevens says

    February 19, 2015 at 8:31 pm

    Everything looks delicious. What a wonderful resource you’ve created!!! Love the look of the Shakshuka!

    Reply
    • How We Flourish says

      February 19, 2015 at 9:14 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  14. Marisa says

    February 25, 2015 at 2:03 pm

    As a traditional Catholic, we don’t eat meat every Friday. We’ve also been on GAPS for quite some time. Most of our Friday meals consist of soup (like broccoli, butternut squash, cauliflower) and muffins or some type of bread (made from coconut flour or almond flour). Sometimes if I can swing it, I will make salmon patties or a kugel made from spaghetti squash.

    Reply
    • How We Flourish says

      February 25, 2015 at 2:24 pm

      My GAPS meals are usually a veggie soup with lots of fat, a fish meal, and an egg meal, like toast with avocado and poached egg. Love your ideas!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Paleo Diet for Lenten Season—Recipe Ideas to Try | WGRC says:
    March 28, 2016 at 1:59 pm

    […] ideas available that one can make or cook for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As suggested in the site How We Flourish, some delicious recipe ideas for breakfast include Spinach and Kale Quiche, Spinach and Feta […]

    Reply

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