Last Supper Bean Stew
By Joanna Barajas
I love how eating certain dishes can take you back in time. And this one seemed special.
This dish takes us back to Jesus’ last supper.
Remember that famous last supper painting with Jesus and his friends (except one)? There was food there. But what did he eat exactly?
I researched a bit to find out. It turns out archaeologists could look at bible verses, and the eating habits in Jerusalem at 1st century A.D. From that, they could piece together a last supper menu.
They discovered that Jesus most likely had bean stew, lamb, olives, bitter herbs, unleavened bread, dates, and wine.
While I didn’t recreate the entire feast, I did make the bean stew to step into the era.
It turned out delicious. There’s a hint of sweetness to it like baked beans. It’s nutritious, unpretentious, and perfect for savoring with warm pita or flatbread.
If Jesus ate it, it’s worth trying!
Last Supper Bean Stew
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 1 cup dried fava beans, no peels
- 1 ½ Tbsp. Olive oil
- 1 ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 ½ cups water
- Salt and pepper
- 1 Tbsp. Honey
- 1/4 bunch Parsley
Directions:
1. Soak fava beans overnight in water, or at least a couple hours. Rinse water before cooking.
2. In a medium pot, heat oil and add onion and garlic. Sauté until translucent or wilted.
4. Then add rinsed fava beans to the onion mixture. Add 2 ½ cups water and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer until tender, about 30-40 minutes.
5. When favas are done cooking, add honey and parsley.
Serve with flatbread, dates, olives, and roasted lamb.
I hope you try this new recipe! Snap a picture and tag me @chefjoannas on instagram so I see how yours came out.
Chef Joanna is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and is a private chef for the stars. She also hosts pop up dinners and cooking classes inspired by her travels around the world. You can find more of her work at www.chefjoannas.com.
For More Recipes Visit www.zapinin.com/food.