This is the first in my zodiac-inspired recipe series. This has been a fun, new way for me to dream up recipes and dive a little deeper into my kitchen witchery. I hope you’re as excited about these witchy recipes as I am!

When I decide to craft a zodiac-inspired series of recipes, I wanted to make sure I really took the essence and charctersitics of the signs into consideration. I’ve worked to incorporate the corresponding elements, colors, traits, and some balancing aspects into the recipes for each of the signs.

We’re kicking off the series with Capricorn! This can be tough energy for some, but not for me! My Sun and Mercury are both in Capricorn, so I have a special place in my soul for this zodiac sign. I had originally dreamed up an entire menu for Capricorn, but I only had time to put together and test the second course - Roasted Thyme and Mushroom Soup.

I wanted to honor the earthy and grounding nature of Capricorns along with their affinity for the traditional. Sometimes Capricorns come off as cold and distant which inspired me to create a recipe that warmed the soul. A nice, hearty soup was a perfect choice, and you can’t get much more earthy and grounding than mushrooms. Not to mention the colors of this soup and the herbs used are those great greens and browns that correspond with Capricorn.

The Recipe: Roasted Mushroom & Thyme Soup

Serves 4-6

Hands-on Time 45-60 minutes

Total Time 60-90 minutes

The Ingredients

1.5 lbs mushrooms (oyster, button, cremini)

4 C broth, beef or mushroom

1 medium onion, chopped

4 leeks, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

6 T butter, unsalted

2 T olive oil (or sherry)

1 T fresh thyme leaves

1 T Worcestershire sauce

1 bunch chives

1/2 C dry white wine

1/3 C half and half

1/3 C all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt, or to taste

1 tsp black pepper, fresh ground

Pinch of cayenne

Pinch of nutmeg

The Method

1. Preheat your oven to 400 F.

2. Wash and slice your mushrooms so there pretty even in size. Chop half the bunch of chives. Combine in a bowl and toss with olive oil and half the salt and pepper. Spread onto a cookie sheet, and roast in your preheated oven for 20-30 minutes. Stir the mushrooms half way through the cooking time. They’re ready to take out of the oven once they start to brown and carmelize.

3. While the mushrooms are roasting, chop up your onion and leeks (use only the white parts of the leeks, and save the tops in your freezer stock bag). Melt your butter in a soup pot or dutch oven and add the onions and leeks once melted. You want these to get nice and soft without browning which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once softened, add in the garlic, thyme leaves and remaining salt and pepper. Stirring for another minute or two.

4. Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir into the butter and onion mixture cooking for 2-5 minutes. You want to see some browning and bits getting stuck to the bottom of the pot, so you get the flour fully cooked. This helps to prevent that pasty, floury, blah taste that comes from under-cooking your roux.

5. Pour in the wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the brown bits from the bottom of the pot - hello flavor! Next, add in the broth and bring to a boil.

6. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Add in the mushrooms and remaining spices. Cook for 20-30 minutes to let all those delicious flavors meld together.

7. Use a ladle to transfer about half of the soup into a blender and puree away. (You can puree more or less depending on how chunky you like your mushroom soup.) Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir until combined.

8. Stir in the half and half, and remove from heat. Serve immediately with a drizzle of olive or truffle oil or even sherry (thanks to a reader for that suggestion), fresh ground pepper, and chopped chives.

The Magick

Mushroom Magickal Properties

Mushrooms have been used in magical rites and rituals across different cultures for centuries making them a perfect addition to your kitchen witchcraft. They’re also closely tied with the fae. Rings of mushrooms are also called “faerie circles.”

They are quite literally down to earth - growing close to the ground or on fallen logs - offering up that earth energy that helps to ground us. I also love that they often grow in the shade and shadows of the forest lending themselves to shadow work.

Both of these aspects play into Capricorn energy incredibly well. Capricorn was originally represented by a goat or a sea goat - both associated with horned gods - tying into Capricorn’s tarot correspondence, The Devil.

Thyme Magickal Properties

Another favorite of the fae, thyme is often found in witch’s gardens and is known to attract the fae folk. With Capricorn’s go-go-go energy and “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” mantra, thyme’s ability to encourage restful sleep and sweet dreams make it a perfect addition.

It’s also well-known to inspire loyalty and courage. Capricorns are often admired for their loyalty and dedication making it another perfect addition for this zodiac-inspired recipe.