Santeria Recipe: Oya Flaming Spinach Salad

Everything you put in your mouth, your mind, your body should feed your soul. I am a firm believer in the sacred power of food and I hope you are too. Many of you took the time over the weekend to celebrate the wondrousness of the Santeria goddess of the wind Oya. If you’d like to learn more about this whip wielding Queen of the cemetery, you can read Santeria’s Rider on the Storm. Another way to learn more is to try the following  is exciting recipe that includes many of her favorite offerings, and goes on fire!  As always please check with your spiritual advisors and godparents before leaving any offerings to the Gods.

Oya Flaming Spinach Salad Recipe

1 lb. fresh spinach, washed and torn into large pieces

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Pinch salt

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dry mustard

2 cups extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

3/4 cup warm water

1/4 cup brandy

3 strips bacon

3 hard boiled eggs

1/2 red onion, chopped

1/4 cup peanuts or walnuts

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

1/4 cup crumbled Goat Feta cheese (optional)

Chill prepared spinach leaves in the refrigerator. In a small bowl mix together brown sugar, sauces, salt, mustard and paprika. Begin adding small amounts of vinegar alternating with the oil. Whisk together well after each addition. Then slowly add warm water continuing to beat. Cook the strips of bacon in a frying pan, remove from oil and drain. Place spinach in a large ceramic or metal bowl. Toss with 1 1/2 cups of dressing, reserving the extra for those who might want more later. Crumble bacon, nuts, and seeds on top of the salad. Coarsely chop the hard boiled eggs and add those along with the onions. Immediately before serving place brandy in the bacon drippings and ignite. Pour over salad, add crumbled Feta cheese if desired and serve.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to know how it goes, please don’t burn yourself down, tweet a pic, comment, tell me your thoughts ! For more ritual recipes like this please check out The African American Ritual Cookbook and remember my bizarre motto Eat Your Voodoo!