High Vibrational Squash Recipe + Travel Sharing (Kingston, Jamaica)

Warm, nutrient-rich, and mineralizing!

Genesis 1:29

Blessings!

This post is a travel reflection and recipe share intentionally interwoven into one.

I trust that you full-joy and please share your thoughts in the comment section.

Blessings to you!

Recipe Inspiration:

It's incredible how our Ancestars managed to cross the Atlantic Ocean and survive on the lands that most now refer to as North and South America and the Caribbean Islands. We learned how to cultivate the land by learning from our Indigenous breddren and sistren. We survived by the strength of our Spirit and learned to cultivate and identify plants and herbs to nourish ourselves. Most importantly, we found ways to connect and remember our roots, traditions, our homelands in Africa. Amidst all of the violence, division, separation, and history of devastation, we have the duty and responsibility to honor, respect, and revere our long-departed Ones.

When I travel my intentions are always to connect with the hearts, minds, and Spirit of people, the land, the air, the water and the Indigenous Ones of the Land. Recently, I've been blessed to connect with a small and mighty island that goes by the Indigenous name of Xaymaca, which was named by the Taino people. "Xaymaca" means the "land of wood and water" or also known as Jamaica. And here I have come to find a piece of "Home"... belonging.

In late 2023, I spontaneously journeyed to Kingston, Jamaica seeking to reestablish inner connection with Earth and InnerSelf. As my fate would have it, I was hosted by a lovely family-- who are now my adopted Jamaican cousins-- on their family land and fruit farm. (Big Up, Ellis and Rohan!) On a spiritual level, my energy instantly felt relaxed, recharged, and nurtured. The fresh fruit, vegetation, fresh air and endless conversations about spiritual energy elevated my inner Being. The fresh water and history lessons about Jamaica and the Rastafari Movement fed my Spirit in many ways. Give thanks, Honorable Ancestars!

The day before returning to the States, I bravely boarded a local bus to visit the National Gallery of Jamaica in Downtown Kingston. I sat with and exchanged Bible verses with a kind elder Rastaman, who later helped orient me amongst the busy streets and walkways. Then I safely reached the art gallery and spent the better part of my afternoon exploring the featured works. Once I was ready to break fast -- all in divine timing-- I found myself at the Igbo Spice Portal.

Here my senses were flooded with local herbs, roots, and spices. I also learned about the healing foodways of the Rastafarian tradition, called Ital -- eating only what grows from Mother Earth Herself. Stepping foot into this space, everything vibrated with a magical and mystical air, yet inviting me into its Heart -- pulsating and grounding. The energy was bold in this space.

I immediately felt like family, or really like Queen empress, during this communion with my fellow Rasta breddren and sistren during this visitation. I ordered the "sip" of the day made with herbs and spices grown in the backyard garden. It was topped off with a scotch bonnet pepper sauce - Blazin! I also tried the breadfruit sandwhich - Glorious! I was also educated about the difference between a "soup" and a "sip".

According to the Rasta way, a soup is made with death (meat), whereas a sip is living and high vibrational -- made with herbs, spices and vegetables. In this moment, I felt (and still feel) deeply connected to my brothers and sisters, Mother Earth, and my Honorable Ancestors as I communed and remember the beauty in simplicity and living by the Laws of Mother Nature.

When I returned to the States, Jamaica was (and still remains) within my mind, heart, and Spirit. To bring the memory full circle, I felt the Inspiration to create a high vibe sip with local ingredients, and it was a success!

Now, I've been inspired to share it with you!

Let this recipe inspire a greater thought and a greater love within!

Now, follow me...

RECIPE

Prep time: 30 to 45 minutes

Cook Time: Approximately 1 hour

Portions: Can sustain up to 8 persons

INGREDIENTS:

The Vegetables

Butternut Squash (or Pumpkin)

A head of Broccoli

Mushrooms (optional)

2 Large Tomatoes

1 Large Yellow or White Onion

2 Garlic Bulbs

Ginger

1 Tablespoon of Coconut oil   

2 Cups of Coconut Milk (optional)

Seasonings

Curry Powder

Dill Weed

Bay Leaves

Cayenne Pepper

Habanero/Scott Bonnet Pepper (or Both!)

Mother Earth’s Blessing Shake

NOTE: Please, no stress if all vegetables/ingredients are not available to you. The squash is the star of the show, it’s okay if you only have a few of the other vegetable ingredients. Use what’s available to you! Be inspired and get creative!

MINDFULNESS TIPS:

Prepare your space: light a candle, play your favorite music/movie/audio file/podcast

in the background.

Allow this time to be relaxing and nourishing.

Set an intention for this meal, allow it to be nourishing to the mind, body and spirit.

Remember this intention throughout the process and remember to

ALWAYS GIVE THANKS and DWELL IN THE SPIRIT OF GRATITUDE!

PREPARE THE INGREDIENTS:

• Wash all vegetables in a tablespoon of baking soda, 1/2 cup of vinegar, and water. Soak for at least 10 minutes then scrub well.

• Chop onions into crescent moon shapes

• Rough chop all veggies into desired sizes

  • Note: You can rough chop butternut squash and keep the skin (I personally enjoy the skin) OR carefully skin and chop butternut squash (this tends to take some time and elbow grease, here’s a How-to video just in case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeqCvhyu19s&t=47s)

MEDITATION INSTRUCTIONS

Bring a large pot to a low heat.

Once you feel the heat, add a good amount of coconut oil and allow to slowly melt.

Once melted, add onions, garlic, and ginger. Allow to brown.

Add a bit of every seasoning to the pot (except the bay leaves). Slowly brown the ingredients and take in the flavors and smells for about 5 minutes or so.

Add tomatoes last to create something like a light rue. Stir.

Next, slowly add some (filtered/spring) water to the pot - this will create the broth.

Raise the heat to about low-medium heat and allow boil.

(This is a good time to continue chopping the other vegetables for the Sip or clean the kitchen space)

Add more seasonings and spices to the pot and allow pot to boil a little longer on low-medium heat.

Eventually add chopped vegetables to the pot.

Slowly add more water (enough to cover the veggies). Stir. Add more seasoning and spices.

Cover the pot and allow to boil on low-medium.

(Taste your broth and season to your liking)

After about 10 minutes, add coconut milk to the pot and stir.

Say a prayer of peace and protection into the bay leaves and add last to the pot.

Allow the vegetables to soften - the butternut squash will let you know when it’s ready. Simmer on low heat. Add salt, or any other seasons you like, to taste and Give Thanks and serve!

Enjoy,

LET THY FOOD BE THY MEDICINE

And it goes like this.. "Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food."

Genesis 1:29

With Gratitude and Protection,

Arielle