We know that the Church requires those from age 18-59 inclusive to fast only two days a year: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Naturally, the Christian is spurred on to fast more throughout the year and especially in the Season of Lent.

The required fast consists of two small collations (2 meals which combined do not amount to a full meal) and a regular meal, all the while abstaining from meat. We can see that the main purpose for these days and for those of Lent are to grow in union with Christ, especially in prayer and in acts of charity, in an increased virtue following the example of Christ Who is the Exemplar.

What dishes do you make for your family on days of fasting and throughout Lent? Growing up, my mother always made cheese dumplings, and it always felt just a bit more intentional as we began the Season of Lent. And there was always an increased peace on that day; it wasn’t just the dumplings, of course, it was the spirit in which we shared this meal – particularly looking towards Christ, Who in not so many days was to give His life for us on the Cross, that we may rise with Him in His Resurrection.

I don’t have dumplings for dinner tonight, but I cooked a bunch of vegetables for the following days and made some soup, to have a bowl tonight.

7 carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped; 1 onion, peeled and chopped; 1 stalk of celery, peeled and chopped; saute in the pot with salt and pepper and some olive oil. Cover with water and a vegetable soup cube (optional), bring to a boil, turn down the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

I blended the soup with some cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric and galangal ginger, and added a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.