11 Recipes for the Feast of St. Monica
The Feast of St. Monica, celebrated on August 27th, is a special day for reflecting on the power of prayer, perseverance, and motherhood. Known for her steadfast prayers for the conversion of her son, St. Augustine, St. Monica’s life encourages us to honor the strength of a mother’s love and the importance of patience. Her story is one of persistence and grace, and we can draw inspiration from her life any day we need some motivation to keep ourselves afloat.
A Personal Note from My Kitchen
The Feast of St. Monica has always been a time for me to reflect on how motherhood and prayer go hand in hand. Her dedication to her faith and her family is a reminder of the beautiful and unseen role that mothers play in shaping the hearts and souls of their children. It also serves as a gentle reminder that, even in our busyness, we can create moments of connection and reflection in our homes.
I’ve gathered a variety of recipes that can bring families together. These recipes are inspired by the Mediterranean flavors and seasonal ingredients I love to cook with.
An Ancient Recipe St. Monica Would Have Enjoyed: Roman-Style Lamb with Herbs
St. Monica lived in North Africa and was of Berber descent, but the Mediterranean region’s culinary traditions were strongly connected with those of the Romans. This ancient recipe for Roman-Style Lamb with Herbs would have been a dish that could easily have graced the table of St. Monica, honoring the simplicity and richness of her time.
Roman-Style Lamb with Herbs
Lamb has long been a staple of Mediterranean cooking, especially in ancient Roman cuisine. This dish features tender lamb slow-cooked with herbs, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of wine. The addition of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves is characteristic of Roman flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs of lamb shoulder or leg, cut into chunks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the lamb pieces and brown them on all sides for about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove the lamb and set it aside. In the same pot, add the garlic and onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Return the lamb to the pot, then add the wine, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and honey (if using). Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the flavors meld together.
- Once done, remove the herbs and discard. Serve the lamb with roasted vegetables or bread, allowing the rich sauce to soak into the bread.
You may also be interested in…
10 More Recipes to Honor St. Monica
Mediterranean Chicken with Olives & Lemon
This dish is a beautiful tribute to the Mediterranean roots of St. Monica’s era. The tender chicken, along with the brightness of lemon and the savory richness of olives, is a perfect meal and sure to please everyone at the table. Maureen’s Braised Chicken with Lemon and Olives is an authentic Lebanese dish that you can make right at home. The only special ingredients you will need are fennel seeds and green olives (with the pits!)
Lentil Soup with Spinach
There is no limit to the different kinds of lentil soup you can find on this blog, and this one is a comforting, hearty, yet familiar version. It is perfect for bringing families together on any night. As lentils symbolize the need for patience (recall Jacob and Esau’s drama!), Tori Avey’s Lentil Spinach Soup with Lemon reminds us of St. Monica’s own persistence in prayer. Lentil soup has a rich biblical history, no doubt enjoyed by St. Monica herself on a regular basis.
Roasted Root Vegetables with Thyme and Olive Oil
Root vegetables are a great way to nourish the body and spirit. This roasted dish serves as a reminder of the foundation of faith and strength that St. Monica showed in her prayers for her son. Toni’s Vegan Roasted Vegetables with Thyme from her blog Plant Based on a Budget is as simple as can be. Enjoy it with or without the mushrooms, but if you do, try to get the freshest mushrooms you can! I recommend serving this with some couscous for an authentic North African flair.
Grilled Fish with Herbs
Fish was a common food in North Africa during St. Monica’s time, often enjoyed freshly caught from the Mediterranean and seasoned simply. Jessica’s Greek Grilled Whole Fish from Honest Cooking may look intimidating but is well worth the experience. The whole fish is lightly brushed with olive oil, rubbed with garlic, sprinkled with sea salt, and finished with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and mint. The result is a dish that honors St. Monica’s roots in a way that feels both ancient and timeless. Serve with flatbread and a simple salad.
Traditional Italian Focaccia
With her Mediterranean roots, St. Monica would appreciate this delicious, freshly baked focaccia. Perfect for sharing, this bread can symbolize the community that we are called to build, much like St. Monica’s own efforts to foster unity in her family. Anvita’s Authentic Italian Focaccia from her blog The Belly Rules the Mind is a pure example of how a few ingredients can create something amazing. She takes the time to walk you through the baking process picture by picture, because with something so simple, the magic is in the method.
Roasted Eggplant Parmesan
A hearty, satisfying dish, Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious meal that can bring your family together around the table, just as St. Monica brought together the people she loved. Eggplant is often a love-it-or-hate-it ingredient, but between the roasted tomatoes and toasted breadcrumbs, it is an easy winner. Alexandra’s Easy Eggplant Parmesan with Roasted Eggplant is simple and easy, perfect for a pasta pairing or grilled steak. Make your own tomato sauce or use store-bought for easy prep.
Fresh Tomato and Basil Salad
Nothing says summer like a fresh tomato and basil salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. For those of us where the month of August signals the end of summer, this dish is perfect. It reflects the simplicity of St. Monica’s faith and reminds us of the beauty of life’s small, everyday blessings. Jessica’s Balsamic Tomato Basil Salad from The Forked Spoon serves as a list of suggested ingredients more so than a recipe – all you have to do is toss everything together!
Fig, Ricotta, & Honey Tart
Figs have long been symbolic of fertility and abundance in Mediterranean cultures. This simple tart, topped with ricotta and honey, celebrates the richness of life and the sweetness of answered prayers. Susan’s Fig, Ricotta and Honey Tart from the Wimpy Vegetarian takes ready-made puff pastry and transforms it into a unique and tasty treat. Fresh figs are the star of this dish, so when you are are able to land a few, make this tart!
Classic Mediterranean Hummus
Hummus is a flavorful and nutritious dish that can serve as both an appetizer or a side. This and other dips were a common feature in many North African family’s tables, including St. Monica’s no doubt. Aysegul’s Mediterranean Hummus Recipe from Foolproof Living gives us a slightly spicy version with cumin and a dash of cayenne. With the recent trend of making hummus at home, it is worth keeping a stash of tahini in the pantry. There’s so many variations to enjoy!
Orange and Almond Cake
This cake is light but flavorful, and offers a sweet ending to any meal, not just to celebrate St. Monica! The combination of almonds and oranges brings the spirit of St. Monica and her North African heritage straight into our homes. Irena’s Orange Almond Cake from her blog Cooked & Loved makes use of six entire whole oranges. After boiling them, they are blitzed in a food processor and added to a batter. Toasted almonds are sprinkled on top, and all that is left to do is enjoy a slice (and the aroma!)
Prayer for St. Monica
Loving Father, as we gather at this table,
we remember St. Monica’s steadfast faith and patient love.
Bless this food before us,
and bless our family with hope and perseverance.
May we, like St. Monica, trust in You in all things.Through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
Looking for something similar to these recipes above?
Check out the latest videos on my Youtube Channel to see what I’m making this week!
What are you cooking this Feast of St. Monica? Do you have any family recipes or new dishes you’re trying this year? I’d love to hear what’s on your table and how you’re honoring this special day. Leave a comment below, or share your feast day creations on Instagram using the hashtag @espiliving!
