This July, celebrate faith and food with these five special Catholic feast days! These flavorful and traditional dishes bring families and communities together, which is exactly what sharing a meal is all about. These recipes range from Indian cuisine through the Mediterranean, easy enough for anyone to make with ingredients found in almost every kitchen. These recipes are foundational – feel free to add your own twist and make them your own!

July 3: Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle

Who is St. Thomas the Apostle?

St. Thomas, often referred to as “Doubting Thomas,” was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. He is best known for doubting Jesus’ resurrection until he saw Him in person. He then dedicated the rest of his life towards discipleship, ultimately landing in India where he would live out the rest of his days. Many Indian Catholic communities consider St. Thomas a patron saint, representing the earliest introduction of Catholicism to the area.

Traditional Foods for St. Thomas’ Feast Day

It goes without saying that traditional Indian cuisine is a good place to start in honoring St. Thomas. Try your hand at different curries and spice blends, vegetarian or not – Indian cuisine is so diverse you will not run out of ideas! Kerala Fish Curry is a popular and easy dish for even the most beginner cook.

Recipe for St. Thomas: Kerala Fish Curry

Ingredients:

July 11: Feast of St. Benedict

Who is St. Benedict?

St. Benedict is best known as the founder of Western monasticism and author of the Rule of St. Benedict. His Rule is followed by Beneditcine monks as well as other monastic orders. Many of these Rules include habits and values that we can all incorporate into our daily lives, such as patience, humility, work, and hospitality. His feast day is a time to reflect on his wisdom and legacy.

Traditional Foods for St. Benedict’s Feast Day

To honor St. Benedict, we can consider a meal that reflects the simplicity and heartiness of monastic fare. There’s two ingredients that can do just that: honey and lentils. The lentil soup recipe below can be considered the most basic – though you really must try my traditional Italian lentil soup I learned from my grandmother. Honey, on the other hand, goes hand in hand with monks of old, who were famous for their bee-keeping (not just their ale making!) Drizzling honey on a simple dessert cake would be a delicious finish after a warm bowl of lentil soup!

July Feast Day Recipe for St. Benedict: Benedictine Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp thyme
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables are tender.

2. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Add lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

5. Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf before serving.

6. Serve warm with crusty bread.

You may also be interested in…

• Essential Mediterranean Vegetables to Grow in a Summer Garden
• Catholic Feast Days in July: Crafts & Recipe Ideas
• A Proper Lenten Feast: Delicious Meals We Enjoyed during the First Week of Lent
• Fresh Summer Vegetable and Rice Soup
• Celebrating Holy Week at Home

July 15: Feast of St. Bonaventure

Who was St. Bonaventure?

St. Bonaventure, known as the “Seraphic Doctor,” was a medieval Italian Franciscan theologian and philosopher. His feast day honors his intellectual contributions and intense spirituality. He was known for his keen memory, which allowed him to connect tradition and doctrine in new and deeper ways. Through his teachings and sound management, the Franciscan order flourished.

Traditional Foods for St. Bonaventure’s Feast Day

Given St. Bonaventure’s Italian heritage, and the simple fare of monastic life, any recipe from “la cucina povera” would do. I can list several rustic meals I enjoyed growing up, blissfully ignorant of their austere origins, only knowing that whatever came out of Nonna and Nonno’s kitchen was utterly cozy and comforting. This basic ribollita below is a good start for anyone venturing into old-country Italian cuisine – bread required.

July Feast Day Recipe for St. Bonaventure: Tuscan Ribollita

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cannellini beans, cooked
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bunch kale, chopped
• 1/2 head savoy cabbage, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 4 slices stale bread, torn into pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables are tender.

2. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Stir in tomatoes, vegetable broth, kale, cabbage, and beans. Bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.

5. Add bread pieces and cook until they break down and thicken the soup.

6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

July 22: Feast of St. Mary Magdalene

Honoring St. Mary Magdalene

St. Mary Magdalene seems to be one of the most underestimated saints of the original crew (a tarnished and controversial legacy hasn’t helped, either). However, she was one of Jesus’ most devoted followers, and is celebrated for her direct witness to Jesus’ resurrection. A woman whose path began in darkness and ended in pure light, her feast day is a perfect time to reflect on one’s faith and devotion.

Traditional Foods for St. Mary Magdalene’s Feast Day

It is customary to enjoy lighter, elegant dishes that reflect Mary Magdalene’s role in the Gospel. You can go several ways with this, but I do recommend the simple ratatouille below. It is filling yet easy on the body, full of flavor yet absolutely fresh in its ingredients. Try to get the freshest basil and vegetables possible – it’s worth the effort!

July Feast Day Recipe for St. Mary Magdelene: Provençal Ratatouille

Ingredients:

• 1 eggplant, diced
• 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until soft.

2. Add eggplant and cook for 5 minutes.

3. Add bell pepper and zucchini, cook for another 5 minutes.

4. Stir in tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary.

5. Simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.

6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm with crusty bread.

July 26: Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne

Who are Saints Joachim and Anne?

Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Virgin Mary, are celebrated as the “original grandparents.” Though we cannot assume they traveled and lived with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus throughout his life, we can absolutely assume their unconditional love and devotion to their daughter and her family. Today, grandparents Their feast day honors their faith and the upbringing of Mary.

Traditional Foods for Saints Joachim and Anne’s Feast Day

What better way to honor the feast day of such celebrated grandparents as a meal that is wholesome, traditional, and family-oriented? A simple roast chicken and vegetable platter is one of those meals meant to be served on Sundays with family all around the kitchen table. There are countless ways to enjoy this combination, and you may already have the perfect one in mind!

July Feast Day Recipe for Sts. Joachim and Anne: Family-Style Roast Chicken and Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 4 carrots, cut into chunks
• 4 potatoes, cut into chunks
• 2 onions, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a roasting pan, place the carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

3. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables. Rub the chicken with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

4. Roast in the oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

5. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve the chicken and vegetables together.

Which July Feast Day Recipes will you try?

Preparing a feast for Catholic feast days in July not only honors the saints and their contributions to Christianity but also brings family and friends together. These Catholic feast day recipes provide a way to celebrate with delicious, meaningful meals. Embrace the tradition and enjoy the rich culinary heritage that accompanies these special days.