In a world full of hustle and fast food, it feels good to go for simple, natural food — inspired by Hildegard von Bingen. Her cooking was never complicated, but down-to-earth, nourishing, and mindful. With spelt, veggies, herbs, and seasonal ingredients, all in tune with nature and balance. These 10 recipes are perfect for every day — easy to make, comforting in taste, and wonderfully uncomplicated.
1. Hearty Spelt Habermus for Breakfast
Start your day mindfully with a warming spelt habermus. Just cook spelt with water, let it simmer, and finish with a bit of sweet honey and warming spices like galangal or bertram. That way, your morning begins nourishing and gentle.
2. Colorful Autumn Veggie Soup
A bowl of warm soup feels like a hug: carrots, fennel, celery, and maybe a few beans gently simmered and seasoned — done. This soup warms you from the inside and brings calm to your day. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave something comforting.
3. Steamed Fennel with Herbs
A simple, easy-to-digest dish: slice fennel thinly, steam lightly, and finish with fresh herbs and a touch of olive oil or butter. A lovely treat if you like things light and uncomplicated.
4. Chestnut-Potato Mash with Seasonal Veggies
Chestnuts, cooked until soft, mashed with some cooked veggies and herbs — and you’ve got a cozy autumn/winter meal. The mash is warming, filling without being heavy, and perfect if you want a gentle, nourishing dish that leaves you satisfied.
5. Autumn Beetroot Salad with Quince Dressing
Beetroot and quince — combined in a colorful salad with a mild dressing. The warm earthy tones are a nod to the season, and the taste is both warming and refreshing. A great starter or a light dinner.
6. Spelt Bread — Homemade and Natural
A freshly baked whole grain spelt bread — rustic, hearty, satisfying. Easy to make, no yeast or refined ingredients needed, and it goes with any meal. A simple, honest staple — just like in Hildegard’s kitchen.
7. Bean Stew with Herbs and Veggies
A stew of white beans, mixed veggies, and herbs — slow-cooked, full of flavor, nourishing, and easy to make. Perfect for cool evenings or whenever you want a simple, filling classic.
8. Fennel and Kohlrabi with Butter and Herbs
Gently steamed veggies, lightly seasoned and finished with a bit of butter — this dish tastes light, fresh, and pure. It’s great as a side for many main courses or as a simple vegetarian meal.
9. Warm Pumpkin Stew with Mild Spices
Pumpkin — a gift of the season — cooked until soft, seasoned with a bit of broth, herbs, and mild spices. The light, slightly sweet taste, creamy texture, and autumn aroma make this stew a comforting meal — perfect for cozy evenings.
10. Sweet Spelt Fruit Compote to Finish
To wrap up your day, a light, warm spelt fruit compote can be the perfect ending: spelt gently cooked with some fruit (like apple or pear), cinnamon, and honey — nourishing and sweet — but not heavy. A kind way to end the day.
Why This Way of Cooking Feels Good Right Now
- The recipes are simple and perfect for everyday — you don’t need exotic ingredients or special tools, just a bit of time and love for cooking.
- Using spelt, veggies, legumes, and seasonal foods makes these meals easy to digest and nourishing.
- The dishes are often light, gentle, and warming, ideal if you’re looking for calm and a mindful moment.
- Cooking by these principles can help you live more mindfully, with awareness, and in tune with your daily life — instead of eating in a rush and without thought.
Conclusion – Eating as a Mindful Ritual
Cooking with Hildegard isn’t about following old rules to the letter — it’s an invitation to cook with your heart. With care, with nature, with love. It’s a way of cooking for both everyday life and the soul: simple, honest, nourishing.
Maybe now’s the perfect time to pick up the wooden spoon again. Let a scent fill the air — of warm spelt, veggies, and herbs. And bring a little bit of calm, natural living into your daily routine. Check out our spelt selection and our herbs inspired by Hildegard’s teachings.
