Recipes for Samhain

As the leaves turn golden and the chill of autumn creeps in, we approach Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival marking the transition from the light of summer to the dark of winter. Celebrated from October 31st to November 1st, Samhain is a time for honouring ancestors, reflecting on the cycles of life and death, and embracing the magic of the season.

One of the most heartwarming ways to celebrate Samhain is by cooking a feast that honours the last harvest of the year. Seasonal ingredients like pumpkins, apples, and root vegetables remind us of nature’s abundance, while traditional recipes like soul cakes help us connect with the deeper meaning of the festival.

In this blog, we’ll explore four simple and delicious recipes to celebrate Samhain with food. These dishes will not only fill your home with autumnal scents but also help you connect with the spirit of the season.

Remember to infuse your dishes with intention and cast your cooking spells as you prepare each recipe, turning your kitchen into a sacred space and filling your food with healing energy, making each bite even more magical.

Pumpkin Soup Recipe: A Warm and Comforting Start (With a Spice Twist)

Pumpkin Soup

Nothing says autumn quite like a bowl of creamy pumpkin soup. Pumpkins are one of the central symbols of Samhain, representing the harvest and the warmth of the hearth as winter approaches. This comforting dish is perfect for a Samhain feast, offering nourishment as the nights grow colder. If you want to spice things up, try adding a pinch of chilli powder, cayenne pepper, or ground ginger for extra warmth and depth.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium pumpkin (about 900g-1.3kg) or 2 tins of pumpkin purée

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 950ml vegetable stock

• 240ml coconut milk

• 1 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Optional: ½ tsp chilli powder, cayenne pepper, or ground ginger

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: Toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pumpkin: If using fresh pumpkin, cut it into quarters, remove the seeds, and roast at 200°C for 30-40 minutes or until tender. Scoop out the flesh and set aside.

   
   

2. Sauté: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

   
   

3. Simmer: Add the roasted pumpkin (or tinned pumpkin), vegetable stock, nutmeg, cinnamon, and your choice of optional spice. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

   
   

4. Blend: Use a hand blender (or transfer in batches to a blender) to blend the soup until smooth.

   
   

5. Finish: Stir in the coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds if desired.

This soup is perfect for keeping warm while honouring the season’s abundance. The optional spices give you the freedom to tailor the flavour—whether you prefer a gentle kick or a more soothing bowl of autumn goodness.

Apple Pie: A Sweet Tribute to the Season

Vegan Apple Pie

Apples are a significant symbol of Samhain, representing immortality and wisdom. They were often used in divination practices, and bobbing for apples is a custom that has its roots in this ancient festival. This classic apple pie brings the sweetness of the harvest to your Samhain celebration.

This plant-based apple pie is a delicious tribute to the harvest season. The buttery crust is made with vegan butter, while the filling remains naturally sweet and spiced.

Ingredients (for the crust):

• 315g plain flour

• 225g cold vegan butter, cubed

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 6-8 tbsp cold water

Ingredients (for the filling):

• 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith or a mix of sweet and tart), peeled and sliced

• 150g sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp plain flour

• 30g vegan butter

Instructions:

1. Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the vegan butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

   
   

2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.

   
   

3. Assemble the Pie: Roll out one disc of dough and line a 23cm pie dish. Pour the apple filling into the pie shell and dot with vegan butter. Roll out the second disc and place it over the top, trimming and crimping the edges. Make a few slits in the top for ventilation.

   
   

4. Bake: Preheat the oven to 190°C. Brush the top with a plant-based milk wash (optional) and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden. Let the pie cool before serving.

This apple pie is the perfect way to celebrate Samhain with its symbolic connection to wisdom and the harvest. Whether you serve it as a dessert or enjoy it with a cup of tea, it’s sure to delight.

Roasted ROOt Vegetables: Celebrating the Earth’s Bounty

Roasted Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are perfect for a Samhain feast as they symbolise our connection to the earth and the final harvest of the season. This simple roasted vegetable dish is versatile and delicious, making it a great addition to any meal.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

• 4-5 parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks

• 4 medium potatoes, cubed

• 1 sweet potato, cubed

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp rosemary

• 1 tsp thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: A drizzle of maple syrup or balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the chopped vegetables in a large bowl.

   
   

2. Season: Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and toss with rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are evenly coated.

   
   

3. Roast: Spread the vegetables out on a baking tray in a single layer. Roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelised. For extra flavour, drizzle with maple syrup or balsamic vinegar in the last 5 minutes of roasting.

These roasted root vegetables will remind you of the earth’s nourishment and the abundance of the last harvest, making them a fitting and delicious part of your Samhain feast.

Vegan Soul Cakes: A Traditional Offering for the Ancestors

Vegan Soul Cakes

Soul cakes are a traditional part of Samhain, often baked as offerings for the dead or given to those in need. These lightly spiced cakes can be left on your altar as part of your Samhain ritual or shared with friends and family to honour the season.

These plant-based soul cakes are a modern twist on the traditional recipe.

Ingredients:

• 250g plain flour

• 115g vegan butter, softened

• 100g sugar

• 2 tbsp aquafaba (the liquid from a tin of chickpeas) or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) or two eggs for non vegans

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp allspice

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• 3-4 tbsp plant-based milk

• Raisins or currants for decoration

  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

   
   

2. Mix the Dough: In a bowl, cream together the vegan butter and sugar. Add the aquafaba or flax egg and mix well. Gradually stir in the flour, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Slowly add enough plant-based milk to form a soft dough.

   
   

3. Shape the Cakes: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 5mm thick. Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut the dough into rounds. Place the rounds on the baking tray and decorate each with a few raisins or currants.

   
   

4. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Soul cakes are a beautiful way to connect with the traditions of Samhain, either as offerings to ancestors or shared with loved ones as part of your celebration.

Conclusion: Recipes for Samhain

These traditional Samhain recipes not only fill your home with the comforting scents of autumn but also connect you to the deeper meaning of the season. By using seasonal ingredients and ancient customs, you’re not just preparing food—you’re honouring the harvest, your ancestors, and the cycles of nature.

Whether you’re baking soul cakes as an offering or sharing a warm meal with family and friends, each dish brings the magic of Samhain into your kitchen. Try these recipes as part of your Samhain celebration and embrace the warmth and wisdom of this sacred time.

Blessed Be!

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