Easter, Lent, and Seafood Favorites

Puerto Rican cuisine has a deep connection to seafood and plant-based dishes, especially during Lent and Easter when meatless meals take center stage. Rooted in both religious tradition and coastal influences, these dishes highlight fresh fish, hearty legumes, and vibrant flavors that celebrate the island’s culinary heritage. Dishes like bacalao a la vizcaína, a slow-simmered salt cod stew, and ceviche, a citrus-marinated seafood dish, bring bold flavors to Lenten meals. Hearty options like funche, a creamy cornmeal porridge, and guineos en escabeche, pickled green bananas, serve as classic side dishes. Alongside savory meals, Easter also brings indulgent sweets like arroz con dulce, a spiced coconut rice pudding, and tembleque, a silky coconut custard, making the holiday table feel complete. Whether it's a Lenten meal, an Easter feast, or a year-round seafood favorite, these recipes offer a delicious blend of tradition and creativity.

Lent-Friendly Dishes

During Lent, Puerto Rican kitchens turn to flavorful meat-free meals that rely on fresh seafood, root vegetables, and legumes. Dishes like funche, guineos en escabeche, and bacalao a la vizcaína bring comfort and nourishment while staying true to traditional observances.

Easter Celebration Side Dishes

Easter in Puerto Rico is marked by vibrant meals that bring family and friends together. Alongside flavorful seafood dishes, hearty and traditional sides complete the festive spread. Mashed yautía provides a creamy and earthy alternative to mashed potatoes. Guineos en escabeche, pickled green bananas marinated in a tangy garlic and onion sauce, add a bright and zesty contrast to rich main courses. Funche, a simple yet satisfying cornmeal dish, is a staple Lenten side that pairs well with seafood. Whether light and refreshing or rich and starchy, these side dishes bring balance and depth to any Easter feast.

Easter & Lenten Sweets

No Puerto Rican holiday is complete without desserts, and Easter is no exception. Traditional sweets like arroz con dulce and tembleque are popular choices, while simple baked treats like panetela provide a light and airy way to end a meal. Crumbly polvorones and other festive cookies also make an appearance, offering the perfect balance of sweetness to the holiday table.