Samosas, shakshuka for Lent? Expand horizons with meatless options at lower Hudson restaurants
For those observing Lent, the period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving for Christians that ends on Easter Sunday, that means abstaining from meat on Fridays. So what are some options aside from pizza?
Westchester and Rockland have a bounty of restaurants featuring everything from eggplant meatballs to shakshuka and curry puffs. What follows are a few Lent-friendly suggestions.
Westchester
Marigold, Eastchester
You'll find lots of meatless dishes at this recently-opened spot including a flavorful smoked eggplant burrata as well as a (gluten-free) mango coconut shrimp. Traditional Indian dishes are also on the menu such as Pani Puri (potatoes and chickpeas, with tamarind chutney and masala water), Gobi Taka Tin (sautéed cauliflower, bell peppers, tomatoes and cilantro) and seafood curry. 434 White Plains Road, 914-202-9455, ordermarigoldrestaurant.com.
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Bellacosa Wine & Tapas Bar, Dobbs Ferry
Craving that meatball feeling? These crispy eggplant meatballs in a homemade marinara sauce hit the spot as a (sort of) substitute. The restaurant, with a great wine bar vibe, also features of host of salads, pastas and antipasti including a delish ricotta cheese with truffle honey, fig jam and pistachios.147 Main St., 914-693-6259 ext. 2, bellacosawinebar.com.
Sweet Grass Grill, Tarrytown
Local and seasonal is the mantra at this health-forward restaurant where you'll find a host of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Among your meatless options: A sweet potato quinoa burger; truffle chickpea tartine and fettuccine with mushroom Bolognese. 24 Main St., 914-631-0000, sweetgrassgrill.com.
Traditions 118, Somers
The eggplant stack, with fresh mozzarella, plum tomatoes, shaved parmigiana, aged balsamic glaze, and extra virgin olive oil is another dish that will capture your heart (yes, I'm a little eggplant happy). Pair it with a salad — I'm a fan of the Strawberry Apple with caramelized walnuts, gorgonzola and strawberry vinaigrette — and you've got a meal.
They also do a gorgeous Seafood Bouquet with shrimp, calamari, clams, mussels, scallops, plum tomato marinara and linguini and Artichoke Francese with tender Spanish artichokes, white wine and a lemon-herb butter. 11 Old Tomahawk St., 914-248-7200, traditions118restaurant.com.
The Falafel Place, White Plains, Yonkers
Choose from a variety of Middle Eastern fare including hummus plates with falafel, mushrooms or Egyptian fava beans; shakshuka (with or without eggplant); veggie couscous, soup; salad and, of course, falafel sandwiches. The owners also own Pita House in Tarrytown with more seating and a similar menu. 204 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, 914-902-0062 or 2219 Central Park Ave., Yonkers, 914-902-0072, falafelplaceny.com.
LEMAK Malaysian, Scarsdale
When's the last time you had Malaysian food? Get it to go or relish the colorful decor at this 19-seat spot, open since Jan. 22.
Lent-friendly choices include curry puffs (crisp pastry with curried potato); Kari (coconut milk in a rich sauce seasoned with aromatic spices and a choice of tofu, fish or shrimp) and "Nasi Lemak," coconut rice with aromatic herbs, sambal, hard-boiled egg and cucumber. 62 Garth Road, 914-574-5280, lemakmalaysian.com.
Rockland
The Station Kitchen and Bar, Congers
How does pina colada shrimp sound? Or edamame dumplings? Or housemade chips warm and crispy right out of the fryer with a choice of either parmesan and garlic, butter or a blue cheese and balsamic drizzle? For a restaurant that's big on meat — think burgers, pork chops and New York sirloin — this nine-year-old spot has a long list of alternatives. 17 N. Rockland Ave., 845-767-4007, thestationkitchenandbar.com.
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Peach Pit Bowl Shop & Kitchen, New City
Decisions abound at Peach Pit 2.0, a larger and more kitchen-forward version than what previously existed down the street at 62 North Main Street. Should you go for one of their creative avocado toasts? ("The Italiano" features lemon zest infused ricotta, tomato and a balsamic drizzle while "The Apollo" has pepitas, olive oil, spices, olives, feta and a balsamic drizzle.) Enjoy a vegan burger? Or a "build your own chia bowl"? The choice is yours. 200 S. Main St., 845-708-5312, peachpitbowlshopkitchen.com.
Art Cafe, Nyack
You won't find meat anywhere on the menu at this cozy Mediterranean-influenced cafe where items like borekas (puff pastries with your choice of fillings), malawaches (flaky Israeli dough stuffed with either cheese, hummus and eggplant) and toastinis (large Israeli bagels toasted in a panini press) rule. There's also shakshuka, salads, grain bowls and baked goods, as well as delish Counter Culture coffee. 65 S. Broadway, 845-353-4230, artcafenyack.com.
Mumbai Dreams, Nyack
There's a whole "Street Cart" vegan menu to select from here with items such as samosas and tamarind eggplant as a well as 10 vegetarian entrees featuring classic Indian dishes such as Channa Masala, Chana Saag, Aloo Gobi and Saag Paneer. 9 Ingalls St., 845-643-8333, mumbaidreamsnyack.com.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Westchester, Rockland NY restaurants serving meatless options for lent