There’s something deeply satisfying about Sunday cooking—the slow simmer of a braise, the aroma filling the house, the anticipation of gathering around the table. In our fast-paced world, slow cooking has become my weekly meditation, a ritual that nourishes both body and soul.

I dedicate Sunday afternoons to cooking something that requires time and attention. A Provençal beef daube that simmers for four hours. A whole chicken roasted slowly with lemon and herbs. A pot of ragu that will feed us for days. These aren’t complicated dishes, but they require presence—and that’s the point.

Why Slow Cooking Matters

Beyond the obvious deliciousness of deeply flavored food, slow cooking offers something our quick-gratification culture often lacks: patience rewarded. There’s no instant result, no shortcut to tenderness. You have to wait, and in that waiting, you’re reminded that some things simply cannot be rushed.

The process also forces me to slow down. When I’m tending a pot, checking the oven, adjusting seasonings, I’m fully present in a way I rarely am during the week. My phone stays in another room. I put on music or listen to a podcast. I pour a glass of wine. This is my version of meditation.

Getting Started

You don’t need fancy equipment—a good Dutch oven will take you far. Start with classic braises: coq au vin, pot roast, or lamb shanks. The technique is similar across dishes: brown the meat, build aromatics, add liquid, cook low and slow until everything transforms into something greater than its parts.

What slow cooking rituals do you practice? I’d love to hear your favorite Sunday recipes.