During Holy Week, thousands of families in Colombia maintain the tradition of avoiding red meat and opting for simple, affordable, and flavorful dishes. There are several delicious meatless dishes in Colombia for Holy Week.
This custom, inherited from Catholic influence, has given rise to a wide variety of recipes that stand out for their creativity and use of local ingredients. From preparations based on grains to fish and vegetables, the cuisine of this season offers an authentic reflection of the country’s culinary diversity.
4 meatless dishes you can make during Holy Week
In Colombia, several meatless recipes have become seasonal classics. Their popularity is not only linked to religious traditions but also to the simplicity of their ingredients and the practicality of their preparation. Here are four easy dishes you can make.
Fish Sancocho: A Caribbean Coast classic
Fish sancocho is one of the most consumed dishes during Holy Week, especially along the Caribbean coast and in riverbank regions. Its preparation begins with choosing a firm fish, such as snook or bocachico, which is cut into portions and marinated with lemon, garlic, and salt.
In a large pot, cassava, green plantain, and corn on the cob are cooked in plenty of water along with basic seasonings like onion, bell pepper, and cilantro. Once the vegetables begin to soften, the fish is added to prevent it from falling apart during cooking. In under 40 minutes, the sancocho develops a thick, aromatic broth and is served with white rice and homemade hot sauce. It is a simple, accessible recipe deeply rooted in Colombian culinary identity.
Egg and vegetable tortillas
In households across various regions, especially in the Andes, egg and vegetable tortillas are a practical option for days of fasting. The preparation consists of beating several eggs with salt and adding finely chopped onion, tomato, and cilantro.
The mixture is poured into a hot, lightly oiled pan and cooked over medium heat until it becomes firm, golden on the edges, and soft in the center. These tortillas are served with arepas, fresh bread, or rice, and their popularity lies in their simplicity and quick preparation.
Meatless bean casserole
The bean casserole is another dish adapted for Holy Week by removing meat and pork cracklings. To prepare it, cargamanto beans—previously soaked—are cooked with ripe plantain, carrot, and onion.
As the beans begin to soften, a sautéed mixture of tomato, onion, and garlic is added to enhance the flavor. The casserole is left to cook until it reaches a thick, fragrant consistency, traditionally served with white rice and avocado. Despite the absence of meat, it remains hearty, economical, and nutritious.
@camiariasmarthe Frijoles caseritos ✨🌿 De mis legumbres favoritas son los frijoles, que queden cremosos y con muchísimo sabor uf 🤝🏽 Los acompaño siempre con arroz, aguacate y cilantro. 👩🏽🍳Ingredientes: 500 Gr de frijoles previamente remojados por 8 horas en abundante agua 2 Zanahorias peladas 1 Plátano verde 2 Tallos de cebolla larga 1 Tallo de cilantro 1 Hoja de laurel quebrada 3 Litros de agua 👩🏽🍳Para el guiso: 3 Tallos de cebolla larga picada 4 Tomates rallados 1 Cda de comino 1 Cdita de color 1 Cda de paprika 1 Cda de aceite Sal al gusto #frijolescolombianos #cazueladefrijoles #frijolesrojos #frijoles #comidacolombiana #comidacasera #platotipico #comohacerfrijoles #arroz #cilantro #fyp #parariiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii ♬ Vale la Pena – Live – Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
Stewed canned Tuna
One of the most popular recipes due to its simplicity is stewed canned tuna, ideal for those seeking a quick option. The preparation begins by sautéing onion, tomato, and garlic until forming a thick sauce. Then, one or two cans of tuna in water or oil are added, along with peeled, sliced potatoes.
The stew is cooked over medium heat until the potatoes are tender and the flavors blend together. It is served with rice or fried plantains and is favored for its practicality, especially in cities where daily life does not slow down during Holy Week.