10 Recipes to Celebrate St. Dominic
St. Dominic, the founder of the Dominican Order, is remembered for his profound commitment to preaching, teaching, and prayer. As a man who lived simply, yet fervently, his life provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the value of service, humility, and faith. St. Dominic’s life reminds us that food can nourish both the body and the soul, and his feast day is the perfect occasion to enjoy some traditional Spanish fare.
In this blog post, we celebrate St. Dominic’s feast day with a collection of dishes that align with his devotion to simplicity and his roots in Spain. From humble peasant fare to hearty Mediterranean-inspired meals, each recipe is an invitation to embrace the slow living that St. Dominic himself would have appreciated.
A Personal Note From My Kitchen
Growing up in a family where simplicity was valued over extravagance, I’ve always gravitated toward dishes that reflect a deep connection to tradition and faith. St. Dominic’s life reminds me of the importance of simplicity in both our meals and our spiritual practices. As I prepare for his feast day, I find that food, much like faith, can be both nourishing and grounding—perfect for a day of reflection and celebration.
An Ancient Recipe St. Dominic Might Have Known
Sopa de Ajo (Garlic Soup)
This traditional Spanish garlic soup is perfect for celebrating St. Dominic’s roots in Spain. The dish is both humble and comforting, made with a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Garlic, eggs, and broth form the heart of this dish, with a sprinkle of paprika for warmth.
It is said that in many Spanish regions, this dish was considered a peasant meal, hearty yet inexpensive, much like the life of St. Dominic.
Ingredients:
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until golden brown.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Crack the eggs directly into the soup, being careful not to break the yolks. Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes until the eggs are poached.
Serve with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy the humble, yet fulfilling flavors.
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9 More Recipes to Honor St. Dominic
1. Spanish Tortilla
I was beyond college when I learned that a tortilla, a traditional tortilla, was actually a potato and egg omelet. A colleague made it once for a work meeting, and it was one of the most delicious things I’ve ever had. As she expounded on the ease and frugality of making the dish, I fell even more in love. Lauren from Spanish Sabores offers her Best Spanish Omelet Recipe (Tortilla de Patatas) that you can easily recreate to honor St. Dominic, or any Sunday brunch!
2. Paella de Verduras (Vegetable Paella)
Paella is synonymous with traditional Spanish fare. However, with all the sumptuous seafood and poultry, the more popular version may not be the best fit for a celebration of a poverty-serving saint like St. Dominic. Michelle’s Vegan Paella De Verduras from Tasting Table is a meat-free version of a tasty paella, and you will not miss the seafood. Between the mushrooms, olives, peppers, beans, and fresh garden produce, your stomach and soul will both feel satisfied.
3. Churros with Hot Chocolate
Sweets have always found their way on everyone’s table. I have often argued that the best ones were the simplest concoctions that were made from whatever could be found in an ordinary kitchen. As Gemma from Bigger Bolder Baking shows in her Homemade Churros recipe, the magic is the method rather than in the ingredients. You probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen right now (flour, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla). All you need is some time! Make the hot chocolate with the churros – you don’t regret it.
4. Pisto (Spanish Ratatouille)
The term ratatouille is French, and most of us with children will likely think of the delicately layered dish showcased in the Disney movie of the same name. In reality, a simmered saucy pot full of summer vegetables can be found in every Mediterranean region. This Spanish version has a delightful twist – Edyta from Eating European shows that in her Pisto Manchego recipe, you can serve it with cheese, cured ham, or a fried egg on top. Amazing!
5. Gazpacho (Cold Spanish Tomato Soup)
I’m constantly surprised by cold soups. Gazpacho is a miracle in itself – it makes use of almost every ingredient that I usually simmer in a hot red sauce to pour over pasta. Ali’s Authentic Gazpacho from Gimme Some Oven is so incredibly easy, the hardest part is waiting for the mixture to meld together for a few hours in the refrigerator.
6. Empanadillas
Every cuisine has their version of a patty, with as many names to describe it. These are the foods of workers, families, children, or anyone on the move. Spain’s empanadillas are filled with ground beef, peppers, tomatoes, and bits of green olives. Melody from Food, Faith, and Fitness shares her Empanadillas recipe along with simple steps to make the dough from scratch. Doing so is totally worth it, but hey….use a ball of pizza dough for a shortcut. Been there!
7. Arroz con Pollo (Rice with Chicken)
Arroz con Pollo is a family favorite, so much so that you cannot enter a Spanish or Hispanic establishment (or household!) without it being a main dish on the menu. The ingredients remain with the same, traditional combinations: tomatoes, peppers, and olives. Kris from How to Feed a Loon shares his one-pot wonder Spanish Chicken and Rice (Arroz on Pollo). His recipe provides a bit more flavor than some simpler versions you may find, including a bit of chorizo, white wine, and saffron in the mix.
8. Tarta de Santiago (Santiago Cake)
This traditional cake is often served especially for St. Dominic’s feast day. The Tarta de Santiago otherwise known as Spanish Almond Cake, is made of few ingredients. It is a plain and light cake. Lauren’s Tarta de Santiago from Spanish Sabores suggests adding in a bit of liquor, but you can substitute the alcohol with vanilla or almond extract depending on your preference. Spend the extra time sprinkling powdered sugar over a cross on the top!
9. Bacalao a la Vizcaína (Salted Cod in Biscayan Sauce)
Salt cod, also known as bacalao, baccalà, or bacalhau, is a dried and salted codfish historically considered a staple for the poor due to its affordability and long shelf life. During times of famine, dought, or war, salt cod became a crucial food source. Str. Dominic most likely had his share of salt cod, and Meseidy’s Bacalao a la Vizcaina (Basque Style Stewed Salted Cod) is a flavorful rendition of a Spanish staple. This dish makes use of what is typically on hand in a Spanish household, and is best served for families sitting around a table.
Mealtime Prayer for the Feast of the Assumption
“Lord, as we celebrate St. Dominic’s Feast Day,
we thank you for his example of humility, simplicity, and devotion.
May we seek to follow his example in our daily lives,
dedicating ourselves to serving others,
sharing our faith, and nourishing both body and spirit.
Amen.”
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
What are your favorite dishes for honoring St. Dominic? Share them in the comments below or tag @espiliving in your social media posts! I’d love to see how you celebrate this special day. And if you’re looking for more easy, seasonal recipes, be sure to check me out Youtube to catch what I’m making this week!
