#meatfreemonday – Green Anglicans

Lentils for Lent

Fast for the Earth 2026 / John-Paul Roberts / March 23, 2026

“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make them shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.” — Psalm 104:14–15 Meat Free Monday is a simple way to care for your health, the environment, and your spiritual life. This week, we celebrate lentils, a nutritious, versatile, and planet-friendly food. Lentils are packed with protein, fibre, and essential nutrients, making them a perfect alternative to meat. Choosing plant-based meals also reduces the environmental impact of our diets and honours God’s gift of creation. Here are three delicious recipes to try this Meat Free Monday: Lentil Soup Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils, 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp cumin, 4 cups vegetable stock. Method: Sauté onion, carrot, and garlic in a pot. Add lentils, cumin, and stock. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until lentils are soft. Blend slightly for a creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper. Lentil Bolognese Ingredients: 1 cup brown lentils, 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp oregano, 2 tsp olive oil. Method: Cook lentils until tender. Sauté onion and garlic, add tomatoes, oregano, and cooked lentils. Simmer for 15 minutes. Serve over pasta or zucchini noodles. Lentil Burger Patties Ingredients: 1 cup cooked brown lentils, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 small onion (finely chopped), 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 egg (or flax egg), salt and pepper. Method: Mash lentils slightly and mix with breadcrumbs, onion, paprika, and egg. Form into patties. Pan-fry with a little olive oil for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Serve on buns with your favourite toppings. Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Ingredients: 1 cup green or brown lentils, cooked; 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn); 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp thyme; 2 tbsp olive oil; salt and pepper to taste. Method: Boil sweet potatoes until soft, then mash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add mixed vegetables, cooked lentils, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes. Transfer lentil-vegetable mixture to a baking dish. Spread mashed sweet potatoes on top. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes until the top is lightly golden. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley. Psalm 104 reminds us that plants are gifts from God, providing sustenance and delight. By choosing lentils this Meat Free Monday, we honour God, care for creation, and nourish our bodies with wholesome, delicious food. 🌱💚

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Beans of Blessing: Meat-Free Monday

“Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink.” — Daniel 1:12 Daniel’s choice to eat simply — beans, lentils, and vegetables — was more than a diet. It was an act of faith, a declaration that strength and wisdom come from God, not from indulgence. At the end of those ten days, Daniel and his friends were healthier and stronger than those who ate the king’s rich food. That story reminds us that beans are more than humble food; they are symbols of resilience, nourishment, and stewardship. On Meat‑Free Monday Beans Day, we follow Daniel’s example by choosing meals that honor creation, care for our health, and lighten our footprint on the earth. Beans and legumes are packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients. They’re affordable, versatile, and sustainable. Choosing beans over meat even once a week reduces greenhouse gas emissions, saves water, and supports a lifestyle of mindful consumption. But beyond the science, it’s about community: cooking a pot of lentil stew to share, swapping recipes, or gathering for a bean‑based meal that celebrates simplicity and abundance. So, let’s make Mondays a day of blessing — not just for ourselves, but for the planet and for future generations. Every bean dish becomes a small act of advocacy, a reminder that faith and food can work together to bring healing. Here is a filling supper recipe Tuscan White Bean Skillet Method: Sauté mushrooms, onions, and garlic, then add tins of beans (kidney, black beans – not baked beans) , tin of tomatoes, and herbs. Simmer for 10 minutes and finish with parsley. Serve with crusty bread. And here is a great snack Chickpea & Black Bean Snack Mix Cooking time: ~55 minutes Highlights: Crunchy roasted chickpeas and black beans seasoned with coriander, paprika, cumin, and salt. Method: Toss beans with spices, roast until crisp, then combine for a protein-packed snack. Why it works: It’s healthy, addictive, and ideal for guilt-free munching between meals. Here are some recipes to try! It’s Not Complicated Recipes – The Best Bean and Legume Recipes https://itsnotcomplicatedrecipes.com/the-best-bean-and-legume-recipes Insanely Good – 20 Best Legume Recipes to Put on Repeat https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/legume-recipes Taste of Home – Recipes with Beans & Legumes https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/recipes-with-beans-legumes Please share your favourite beans or legume (lentils etc) recipe!