Meatless recipe for Friday, February 27, 2026

Looking for a meatless recipe for this Friday as you abstain from meat? Consider this simple meal from Ghana, “Red Red.” For abstaining from meat is not just about eating fish. It is about eating simply so that we can identify with those who are not as fortunate. As Lent is the season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, the recipes provide a way to make a simple meal and to donate the savings to those in need.

Meatless recipe for Friday

“Red Red” is a beloved Ghanaian dish of black-eyed peas cooked in a red sauce and often served with fried plantains. This hearty and protein-rich meal is popular not just for its taste but also for its affordability and nutritional benefits.  

This dish requires soaking dried black-eyed peas overnight. You can substitute canned black-eyed peas or another canned variety, like garbanzo beans, to decrease the preparation and cook time.

Ingredients

For the bean stew: 

• 2 cups dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight, or canned beans 
• 1/2 cup palm oil or vegetable oil 
• 2 medium onions, chopped 
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 
• 1-inch piece of grated fresh ginger 
• 1-2 tablespoons tomato paste 
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped 
• Salt to taste 

For the fried plantains: 

• 2-3 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced 
• Pinch of salt 
• Oil for frying 

Preparation

If using dried black-eyed peas, after soaking, rinse them and cook in water until tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Drain and set aside. 

In a large pot over medium heat, heat the palm oil. Add the chopped onions, garlic and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the tomato paste and smoked paprika. Add cayenne pepper if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes and simmer until the tomatoes break down into a sauce. Add the black-eyed peas to the stew and mix well. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes. Season with salt to taste. 

In a frying pan over medium heat, heat the oil. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the plantain slices and fry them until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels. 

Plate the bean stew alongside the fried plantains. You can enjoy it with steamed rice or on its own. 

Eating a simple meal during Lent helps us reflect on the hunger that many people face worldwide. Make a Lenten donation to help ensure all the members of our global family have access to enough nutritious food. 

Learn more about the people of Ghana. “In Ghana, parents like Georginia are learning to make simple, inexpensive toys from household items to help their children grow and learn.” so much of Lent is about renewing connections to people all around the world. And Africa is often a place where Americans do not know much about. Read the story of hope from Ghana.

On the friar, you can listen to our homilies (based on the readings of the day) and reflections. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update.

Wondering what to do to depend your prayer life this Lent? Go to our resources for Lent. There are prayer, fasting and almsgiving resources on our Lent page. This is a great time to grow in holiness and to deepen conversion.

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