Nativity fast

Having started the Nativity fast, I've had a number of calls for recipes for fasting dishes that I have served here in the monastery. I thought I would post some of them.

Pasta with Lentils

1 lg onion diced
4 ribs celery diced
4 cloves garlic minced
3 Tbs oil
1/2 lb lentils
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
2 bay leaves
crushed red pepper flakes to taste OR 2 tbs whole black peppercorns
salt to taste
1 lb. Spaghetti cooked

Heat oil in large saucepan. add veges and garlic and saute til they start to soften. Add lentils and just barley cover with water. Bring to a boil then allow to simmer for about 5 min. Add tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer for another 30 min. or until the lentils are tender. Toss with the hot cooked spaghetti.
(On days when olive oil is permitted I will add about 1 cup or so when I mix the sauce with the spaghetti).
(If you use the whole peppercorns they will soften up when they cook in the sauce, they add a nice bite and an interesting taste sensation)


I made the next dish for our Sunday Potluck lunch last week, it was a big hit.


White beans with Pumpkin

1 lb small white beans
3 carrots pealed and diced
6 ribs celery diced
1 lg onion diced
1 whole jalapeno stem removed sliced in rings leave the seed in
1 1/2 lbs uncooked pumpkin cut up in 1 in cubes (I used buternut squash)
1 1/2 tsp whole dried thyme
1 tsp celery seed
2 vegetarian bullion cubes
salt & pepper to taste

Add all ingredients to a large crock pot. Fill pot with water to cover. Set to low setting and cook for about 12 hours until the beans are tender.

I served this over rice.