Sundays are sacred. A day of rest, reflection, and renewal. But for many families, they can also be a rush of responsibilities. From church services to family visits, the day often disappears before dinner is even considered. That’s where slow cooking comes to the rescue—not just as a kitchen trick, but as a tool for preserving the peace and presence of the Sabbath.
Why Slow Cooking Suits the Sabbath
Using a slow cooker means you can:
- Prepare your meal in the morning or even the night before.
- Let it gently cook while you attend worship or relax.
- Serve up a nourishing dinner with minimal fuss.
It’s an act of intentional living. One that says, “Today we pause.”
Slow Cooked Recipes to Savour
- Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Place skinless chicken thighs, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and a splash of vinegar into your slow cooker. Cook for 6–8 hours on low and serve with rice or mash.
- Moroccan Lentil Stew: A vibrant vegetarian dish with carrots, chickpeas, tomatoes, cumin, and cinnamon. Warm, filling, and naturally sweet.
- Beef Shin Pot Roast: With onions, stock, herbs and root veg. The longer it cooks, the more the flavours deepen and the meat softens.
Genesis 2:2 – “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested.” A slow meal reminds us of the beauty in slowing down.
Tips for Peaceful Meal Prep
- Prep on Saturday night: Chop veg, measure spices, and refrigerate.
- Double your recipes: Cook once, eat twice—saving Monday dinner time too.
- Create a Sabbath kitchen playlist: Let worship music or instrumental hymns set a peaceful tone.
Serving with Grace
Make Sunday dinner a true occasion:
- Light a candle to bless the table.
- Let each family member share a gratitude or verse.
- Say grace slowly, intentionally, with hearts open.
Psalm 23:5 – “You prepare a table before me…” Let each plate be a reminder that God nourishes not just our bodies, but our lives.
