How to Show Gratitude Through Cooking

Cooking is a Wonderful Way to Show Gratitude

plating a dish of pasta Preparing a meal can be routine for some and sometimes even a bit of a pain, but it can be a profoundly spiritual experience for others. Incorporating prayers and blessings into meal preparation is a beautiful way to show gratitude and appreciation for food’s nourishment. So, let’s explore how to show gratitude through cooking, and examine tips on incorporating prayers and blessings into your meal preparation.

Benefits of Cooking with Gratitude

Cooking with gratitude can help you slow down and appreciate the beauty in everyday tasks. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to appreciate the little things. Preparing a meal is an opportunity to slow down and be present in the moment. By expressing gratitude for the food we are about to serve, we can cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation for all the blessings in our lives. In my own experience, I lost sight of this in my career in the restaurant industry, but fortunately regained the appreciation for God’s intentions with me after I became a chef in the senior living industry.

Incorporating Prayers and Blessings into Meal Preparation

There are many ways to incorporate prayers and blessings into your meal preparation. Here are a few ideas on how to show gratitude through cooking:

1. Gratitude Prayer: Before you start cooking, take a moment to express gratitude for the food you are about to prepare, and the nourishment and happiness it will bring to those who will enjoy it. You can say a simple prayer or express thanks in your own words. This simple act can help set the tone for your entire cooking experience.

2. Blessing the Ingredients: As you gather your ingredients, take a moment to bless each one. You can say a prayer or simply express gratitude for the nourishment that each ingredient will provide, and it’s journey to your kitchen. This can help infuse your food with positive energy and intention.

3. Mindful Cooking: When you are cooking, try to be present in the moment. Focus on the knife cutting the the vegetables, the stirring of the ingredients, and the methods you are using when preparing the meal. This can help create a sense of calm in the kitchen.

4. Gratitude Meditation: If you are feeling particularly stressed or overwhelmed, try taking a few moments to meditate before you start cooking. You can focus on your breath or repeat a simple mantra to help calm your mind and create a sense of gratitude and appreciation.

5. Sharing the Meal: Once the meal is ready, take a moment to express gratitude for the food and the people who will be sharing it with you. You can say a prayer or simply express your appreciation in your own words. This simple act of gratitude can help create a deeper sense of connection and community.

I love to make soup, I am known for it in the kitchens I have cooked in, and my YouTube channel. I believe soups are a wonderful comfort food, and the simple act of creating a soup, from the chopping of the mirepoix, to the gentle simmering of the ingredients, can actually relax the cook as the create it. Below is a wonderful recipe for Minestrone Soup that is one of the most relaxing soups to create in my humble opinion. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!

Wrapping Up

Incorporating prayers and blessings into meal preparation is a simple way to show gratitude and appreciation for the nourishment that food provides. By taking a few moments to slow down and be present in the moment, we can cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation for all the blessings in our lives, and to realize by providing a meal to someone, we are enriching their lives and providing them with some form of comfort. Whether you are cooking for yourself or for others, cooking with gratitude can help infuse your food with positive energy and intention. So the next time you are in the kitchen, take a few moments to express gratitude and appreciation for the food you are about to prepare. Your body and soul will be grateful for it.

Minestrone Soup

Ingredients

5 Tablespoons Olive oil
1 yellow onion, medium dice
2 carrots, medium dice
2 stalks celery, medium dice
¼ cup tomato paste
1 cup zucchini, medium dice
1 cup russet potato, medium dice
2 Tablespoons minced garlic
1 Tablespoon oregano
½ Tablespoon basil
½ Tablespoon thyme
1-28 ounce can dice tomatoes
1 quart chicken broth
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup small shell pasta
1-15 ounce can of beans, drained
2 cups chiffonade kale
Juice of 1 lemon

Method

In a large stock pot or Dutch oven on medium heat, sauté the carrots, celery, and onion in the olive oil, season with salt and pepper and stir well.
Add the tomato paste, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and oregano, and continue to stir until fragrant, season with more salt and pepper
Add the dice tomatoes, chicken broth, potato, and zucchini, bring to a boil as you continue to stir
Simmer for about 20 minutes
Add the pasta, beans, and kale, continue to stir as the mixture simmers
When the pasta is cooked al dente, remove from heat, pour in the rest of the olive oil and the lemon juice
Portion into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese