Litha 2022: “Spice Up Your Life” Roasted Pepper Spread.
As we discussed in our last post, our intentions for this summer solstice are centering around igniting passions (Litha 2022: Reigniting the fire within yourself). In this first recipe for our Litha feast, we are creating a vibrant and spicy roasted pepper spread that is sure to do just that.
What are some of the intentions the ingredients embody?
Roasted Bell Peppers: The star of the show and namesake of this dish, bell peppers are an absolutely delicious addition to many meals. Low in fat and calories and high vitamins A and C, they are a healthy option as well. In spellwork, bell peppers are excellent for imbuing energy, as well as drawing in good health and vitality. As an added bonus, for this dish we are using roasted peppers which amplifies the fiery elements of this sabbat.
Crushed Red Chili: While bell peppers might not bring the heat, red chilis absolutely do. In this recipe we are utilizing them not only to give a nice spicy zing to the spread, but to also reinforce the energizing properties of the bell peppers. Chilis also assist in bringing quicker action to your spellwork or rituals, as well as offering a protective element to the dish.
Walnuts: Walnuts maybe aren’t your first thought when it comes to a savory spread, but they add a rich flavor boost and creamy texture that cannot be beat. Walnuts are a powerhouse of nutrition; full of the oh-so-desirable Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin E, magnesium, and naturally increase melatonin levels. Spiritually, they have long been associated with heightening mental prowess and focus, as well as aiding in fertility rituals and spellwork.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: To me, olive oil is the queen of culinary oils, both flavor wise and intentionally. Like walnuts, this oil is packed with antioxidants and vitamin E and is one of the healthier cooking oils for your heart. Exceptionally versatile, olive oil can be applied in practically any recipe, especially if you want to highlight it’s rich taste and mouthfeel. If you are looking perform any spellwork in the realms of love, beauty or prosperity, this is the oil to reach for. For our Litha celebration, I chose olive oil in particular due to it’s associations with the sun and fire element to accentuate the energies we are already trying to draw into our spellwork. *Side note: Do beware to read labels well when purchasing that you are indeed getting 100% olive oil!
Tomato Paste: Tomatoes are a staple in many kitchens all over the world, however this was not always the case. For over two centuries, tomatoes were shunned and feared amongst Europeans and early American settlers as poisonous to eat for being a member of the notorious nightshade family. Native Americans in South America however had been cultivating and enjoying them for thousands of years. Tomatoes and tomato paste are nutritional rock stars; packed with vitamins C, E, and K, calcium, potassium, and folate. They are also rich in the powerful carotenoid lycopene, which is excellent for maintaining eye and heart health. Intentionally, the tomato paste in this recipe is being used to help achieve clarity in our spellwork and for gaining heightened perception. More traditionally, tomato products are also good for use when performing love or luck spellwork.
How does this dish assist us with our Litha intentions?
Many of the ingredients in this dish are often associated the element of fire or the Sun itself, which is in perfect alignment with Litha as a whole, as well as our chosen focus for ritual this year. In addition, they help imbue you with the energy, stamina, protection, and mental clarity that’s necessary when taking the beginning steps on the journey towards manifestation of your goals; in the case of this particular ritual, that is rediscovering and reawakening the passions that drive you.
"Spice up your life" Roasted Pepper Spread
Ingredients
- 2 large bell peppers (approx. 5 oz) (vitality, energy, good health) *see note
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs *see note
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (fertility, mental prowess)
- 4-5 Tbsp olive oil plus 2 tsp for roasting (love, beauty, prosperity)
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste (clarity, health, heightened perception)
- 2 Tbsp honey (solar energy, abundance, prosperity, positivity)
- 2 Tbsp balsamic glaze *see note
- 2 cloves fresh garlic (health, strength, protection)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (energizing, protection, action)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and prepare a oven safe dish or sheet pan with a thin layer of cooking spray
- Place bell peppers into the prepared dish and lightly coat them in olive oil.
- Place the peppers into the oven and roast them for 10-15 minutes or until the skins of the pepper begin to blister and darken.
- Remove the peppers from the dish and put them into a heat safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap for at least 10 minutes. This step allows steam to build in the bowl and makes peeling the peppers much easier.
- Peel and deseed the peppers and slice into thin strips.
- In a blender or food processor, combine all of the ingredients together except the olive oil.
- Slowly pulse to breakdown the ingredients, then set your blender or food processor into low speed.
- Gradually begin to stream the olive oil into your blending mixture. Stop the machine and scrap as needed to ensure a smooth spread. If necessary, you may add another tablespoon of olive oil if your mixture is too dry.
- Switch your machine to medium speed and blend until smooth and fully combined.
- Remove your spread from the machine and serve on a shallow plate or bowl. Garnish with extra walnuts and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables and enjoy!
Notes
- We chose to roast our own peppers to provide another opportunity to infuse this dish with our intentions, however you are more than welcome to buy already prepared roasted peppers for your convenience.
- If you do not have panko on hand, regular breadcrumbs will work just as well. Alternatively, this dish can absolutely be made gluten free by using either homemade or store bought GF breadcrumbs.
- Balsamic glaze is balsamic vinegar that has been reduced down to a syrup-like consistency and has a lovely sweet and tangy flavor. You can find pre-made versions of this glaze at most big supermarkets.
