Recipes for Lent

During this time of the year Christians observe Lent, and abstain from all animal, and dairy products. However, fish is allowed, and canned tuna and sardines are consumed.

Our meatless menu includes fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts, jams and pickles, and a variety of breads, and halva.

The recipes are economical, delicious, and easy to prepare. You can enjoy them throughout the year.

Vegetarian Zucchini

You can use yellow squash for this recipe too.

4-5 zucchinis

1 large onion, sliced

4 cloves of garlic, sliced

1 large tomato, diced

1 (8 oz can) tomato sauce

1 cup water

1 teaspoon salt

½ tsp black pepper or Arabian spice

¼ cup olive oil

Rinse the zucchinis and place in a colander. Peel the zucchinis and slice them in ½ inch slices.

Heat the oil in a deep sauté pan. Add the onions and garlic and stir for 5 minutes. Arrange the tomato slices on top of the onions. Sprinkle the salt and spices.

Add a layer of zucchinis and pour the tomato sauce over it.

 Pour a cup of water over the zucchinis and bring to boil, covered.

Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the zucchinis are tender.

Serve with white plain rice.

Zucchini with Tomato Sauce (vegetarian)

Shijar bil Tamata

1 pound zucchini peeled and sliced
1 medium onion sliced
2 cloves of garlic sliced
1 tomato sliced
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ tteaspoon Arabic spice or a combination of allspice, cinnamon and black pepper
1 cup water
3 tablespoons olive oil

Sauté the onion and garlic in oil for few minutes and add salt and spices and stir. Add the zucchini and sliced tomatoes and leave it to simmer for 5 minutes. Pour tomato sauce and water and leave it to simmer for 20 minutes. Serve with white plain rice.

We usually cook this dish with stewing lamb. You can boil the lamb for 40 minutes or until tender. Then add the onions, garlic, zucchini, tomato sauce, salt and spices. Simmer for 20 minutes and serve with white plain rice