Approx. Reading time: About 4 Minutes
Introduction
Harvest Hearth Stew: A Recipe for Mabon Magic
As the winds turn crisp and the leaves dance in hues of gold and red, the heart of Mabon beckons us to gather and celebrate the Earth’s abundant harvest. One way to immerse yourself in the magic of the season is by crafting a Harvest Hearth Stew—a comforting and nourishing dish that not only warms the body but also resonates with the very essence of Mabon’s teachings. This stew, rich with autumnal vegetables and infused with intention, becomes a vessel for savoring the season’s blessings and fostering a connection to nature’s rhythms.
The Harvest Hearth
Lila smiled as she stirred the pot of stew over the crackling fire. She could smell the aroma of carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs mingling in the broth, creating a mouthwatering scent that filled the cottage. She added a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper, then tasted a spoonful. It was perfect.
She looked around the cozy room, feeling a surge of gratitude and joy. She had decorated the mantel with dried corn husks, acorns, pine cones, and colorful leaves. She had placed a basket of fresh apples, pears, and grapes on the table, along with a loaf of homemade bread and a jar of honey. She had lit some candles and incense, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
She glanced at the clock. It was almost time for her guests to arrive. She had invited her coven sisters to join her for a Mabon celebration, a feast of gratitude and harmony. They would share their stories of the past year, their successes and challenges, their hopes and dreams. They would honor the balance between light and dark, and acknowledge the turning of the wheel of the year. They would also perform a ritual of thanksgiving, offering their stew to the Earth Mother and the Horned God, asking for their blessings and guidance.
She heard a knock on the door. She turned off the fire and grabbed a ladle. She walked to the door and opened it with a smile.
“Welcome, sisters!” she greeted them warmly.
They hugged her and entered the cottage, carrying baskets of fruits, flowers, wine, and gifts. They complimented her on her decorations and her stew, and helped her set the table.
They sat down and joined hands, forming a circle. Lila said a prayer of gratitude for their friendship and their food. They said “Blessed be” in unison.
They served themselves some stew and bread, and poured some wine. They raised their glasses and toasted to Mabon.
They ate and drank, laughed and talked, enjoying each other’s company.
They felt the magic of Mabon in their hearts and souls.
They felt the warmth of the harvest hearth in their bodies and spirits.
Magical Associations and Intention:
Each ingredient in this Harvest Hearth Stew carries its own magical significance, weaving a tapestry of intention that mirrors Mabon’s teachings:
- Butternut Squash and Sweet Potatoes: These vibrant vegetables embody the Earth’s generosity and abundance. They symbolize grounding and nurturing energies, aligning with Mabon’s celebration of the harvest’s yield.
- Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, Sage): These aromatic herbs hold qualities of protection, wisdom, and transformation. As they infuse the stew, they create a magical blend that mirrors the changing of the seasons and the wisdom found in balance.
- White Beans: Symbolizing prosperity and new beginnings, white beans bring a touch of enchantment to the stew. As they cook, they absorb the flavors of the season, reminding us of our capacity to absorb and learn from life’s experiences.
- Gathering and Unity: The act of preparing and sharing the Harvest Hearth Stew fosters a sense of gathering and unity, echoing the themes of togetherness and community celebrated during Mabon.
Recipe
Recipe – Harvest Hearth Stew: A Recipe for Mabon Magic
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash peeled and diced
- 2 cups sweet potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 cup carrots peeled and sliced
- 1 cup parsnips peeled and sliced
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 can 15 oz white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced butternut squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and celery to the pot. Stir and let them cook for about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the white beans, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried sage. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
- Once the stew is cooked and the flavors have melded together, remove it from the heat.
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size: 1 cup (245 g) | Servings Per Recipe: 8 |
| Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value* |
| Calories 197 | |
| Total Fat 1.9 g | 2 % |
| Saturated Fat 0.3 g | 2 % |
| Trans Fat 0 g | |
| Cholesterol 0 mg | 0 % |
| Sodium 395 mg | 17 % |
| Total Carbohydrate 40.9 g | 15 % |
| Dietary Fiber 10.5 g | 38 % |
| Sugars 10.4 g | |
| Protein 7.7 g | 15 % |
| Vitamin D 0 mcg | 0 % |
| Calcium 121 mg | 9 % |
| Iron 3.4 mg | 19 % |
| Potassium 831 mg | 18 % |
Proudly brought to you by
The Equinox Apothecary
© The Equinox Apothecary 2024 – Permission is granted to copy and reproduce this Recipe with attribution
As you savor each spoonful of this Harvest Hearth Stew, let its flavors transport you to the heart of autumn. Embrace the nourishing qualities of the ingredients, and with each bite, connect to the Earth’s rhythms and the wisdom found in the cycles of life. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with loved ones, this recipe becomes a vessel for Mabon’s magic—a reminder of gratitude, balance, and the beauty found in embracing the changing seasons.
