Beltane is the old Gaelic festival that heralds the beginning of spring, a “thank fuck the ice is going to stop!” all-night party. Traditionally celebrated with fairs, dancing, bonfires, and of course, lots and lots of drinking, its an excellent excuse for a party even if you aren’t some flavour of pagan.
Fresh, seasonal food, old fashioned recipes (or at least ones that nod to it), honey and dairy are all traditional elements of the holiday. Dairy because Ireland and Scotland were cattle cultures and Beltane was about purifying the herd, honey because Celts really fucking like honey. It’s also a traditional night to get down and dirty in honour of, ahem, generative forces, so sexy food has a place on the table too.
Beltane Bannock
A traditional oatcake eaten on the day. There are some folk rituals attached to it described at the link as well if you’re into that.
Watercress, new potato & salmon salad
Tricolore salad
Spring Cabbage with Mustard Seeds
Rhubarb crumble and cream
Yogurt and pomegranate dessert with honey
Dressed spring cabbage
Garlic and rosemary infused roast pork
Super spring salad
Strawberry Spring Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
Onion and Goat’s Cheese Tart
Welsh Chicken and Leek Pie
Twice Baked Potatos with Irish Chedder
Beltane Caudle
Often served over the bannock but can be eaten in other ways.
Spring beef and potato stew
Toasted spinach, wild garlic and taleggio
Bacon Wrapped Chicken in Garlic and Herb Butter
Green Gazpacho
Lemon and Ricotta Cheesecake
Baked Apricots with Honey
