Assorted platter of fasting food

Assorted Lenten Platter - A Delicacy for Fasting Days

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

An assorted Lenten platter is the perfect choice for fasting days when fish is allowed, offering a colorful and flavorful combination. This recipe not only satisfies hunger but also brings a touch of joy to fasting days, turning meals into an unforgettable culinary experience.

A Brief History

Assorted Lenten platters have been popular throughout time, bringing together various simple yet delicious ingredients. This recipe is perfect for celebrating Fridays and Wednesdays during fasting periods but can be enjoyed anytime you crave a light and healthy meal.

Ingredients

- 1/2 cup fish croquettes
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 1/2 cups rice
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Oil for frying
- 1 head of lettuce
- 1 medium onion
- 1 cucumber
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 red bell pepper

Step by Step for a Perfect Result

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into sticks. If you prefer them plain, you can boil them for a few minutes until soft, then sauté them in a bit of oil to give them a crispy texture.

Helpful Tip: The potatoes will fry more evenly if you let them sit for a few minutes in cold water after cutting.

Step 2: Cooking the Rice

In a pot, add the rice along with 3 cups of water and a teaspoon of salt. Place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice cook for about 15-20 minutes until all the water is absorbed.

Tip: Adding a tablespoon of oil to the boiling water improves the rice's texture and gives it a subtle flavor.

Step 3: Preparing the Fish Croquettes

In a deep pan, heat the oil to a high temperature. Fry the fish croquettes until they are golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan for even frying.

Tip: To check if the oil is hot enough, you can throw in a small piece of bread; if it starts to sizzle immediately, it's ready.

Step 4: Preparing the Salad

Meanwhile, finely chop the lettuce, onion, cucumber, tomatoes, and red bell pepper. Place all ingredients in a large bowl. Add salt, oil, and apple cider vinegar and mix well.

Tip: Let the salad sit for a few minutes for the flavors to combine.

Step 5: Assembling the Platter

Once all components are ready, arrange them on a large platter. You can start with a layer of rice, then add the fried potatoes, fish croquettes, and finally, the colorful salad. Garnish with fresh parsley for an attractive look.

Serving and Suggestions

The assorted Lenten platter can be enjoyed as is, but you can accompany it with a slice of whole-grain bread to make the meal more filling. Additionally, fresh lemonade or herbal tea will perfectly complement this light menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace the fish croquettes with something else?
Yes, you can use vegetable or tofu croquettes for a vegetarian option.

Can I prepare this platter in advance?
Although it is best served fresh, you can prepare the rice and salad a day ahead to save time.

Nutritional Benefits

This Lenten platter is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables. The rice provides complex carbohydrates, and the fish is an excellent source of protein. Consuming fresh vegetables helps maintain a balanced diet.

Possible Variations

- Additions: You can include olives or avocado for a more intense flavor.
- Seasoning: Add spices like paprika or garlic to enhance the flavors.

This assorted Lenten platter is not just a meal, but a celebration of simple and healthy flavors. Treat yourself and your loved ones to moments of culinary joy and enjoy every bite!