Hearty Lenten Lunch Recipes

Lenten Lunches

More than 100 years ago, church volunteers in Birmingham, Alabama wanted to find a way to encourage people to attend weekday sermons during the 40 days of Lent. Their tactic? Great food. Today, hundreds of locals show up to get fed after they, well, get fed. Here are the crowd-pleasing recipes. Some are classic Southern; all are simple and delicious

Chicken, Mushroom, and Wild Rice Soup

Volunteers at the Cathedral Church of the Advent prepare chicken broth from scratch, making this hearty soup doubly delicious.

• Recipe: Chicken, Mushroom, and Wild Rice Soup

Bing Cherry Salad

This simple recipe is the perfect accompaniement to any meal. The only ingredients you'll need are cherries, pineapple, and flavored gelatin.

• Recipe: Bing Cherry Salad

Peach-Pecan Muffins

These muffins, topped with pecan streusel, will surely be a crowd pleaser.

• Recipe: Peach-Pecan Muffins

A Lenten Tradition

Though many Southern churches serve lunches during Lent, few can boast a 100-year-plus history. Originally, the ladies of The Advent only served light meals, but in 1980 they began serving hot meals to raise funds for outreach programs. Now team leaders Eleanor Estes, Fontaine Pope, and Marian Phillips (pictured left) manage a crew of several hundred volunteers. “Preparing the lunches brings church members together,” says volunteer Robin Anderson. “That’s been a wonderful bonus.”

• Recipe: Cathedral Chicken Salad