From The Trees to Seas

Recently, my son shared that he wanted to celebrate the seasons and traditions from all around the world – from every faith, every story, every way people find light and joy. And while we were a little late to the date itself, that didn’t stop us from making something to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights.

As the rain and hail danced gently on our metal roof, my crockpot – my trusty kitchen companion – worked its slow magic. The air filled with the warm scent of simmering spices, a promise of comfort and patience.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups brown lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 can diced green chilis
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp paprika or mild chili powder
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ tsp salt (to start; adjust to taste later)
• 1 can coconut milk

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients except for the coconut milk to your slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
3. In the last 15 minutes, stir in the coconut milk and let everything come together in creamy harmony.
4. Serve warm with naan and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

This dish came together beautifully – a gentle variation built from what we had on hand in our pantry. While it may not be traditional, it captured the spirit of Diwali perfectly: warmth, light, and connection. It was the kind of meal that fills both belly and heart, the perfect companion for a cool, rainy day.

🕯 A Little Kitchen Witchery

This Slow Cooker Dal Makhani is a quiet spell of patience and light. As it simmers low and slow, earth and fire work together to transform humble ingredients into something radiant. Lentils bring resilience, bay leaves offer protection, and golden turmeric glows with healing and illumination.

It’s a reminder that magic often happens in the waiting – that slow, steady warmth can turn even the simplest of meals into a ritual of comfort. Serve it by soft lamplight, and let it remind you that even slow magic can shine bright.

As the seasons shift, may you always find comfort in what you create with your hands and heart.
– Mikaela