flipNazid Adashim, Red Lentil Pottage
Nazid Adashim, Red Lentil Pottage
Why this dish? Behemoth, says the Book of Job, "eats grass like an ox": he is a peaceful mass of the prairies, not a predator. What could be more fitting for him than a humble pottage of the earth, this nazid adashim so famous that Esau sold his birthright for it? The red lentil, color of the soil, nourishes the people of the fields that the primordial beast roams while grazing.
A thick pottage of melted red lentils, flavored with onion, cumin, and coriander, bound with olive oil. Eaten piping hot, with large pieces of barley bread used as a spoon to dip.
Draw near, mortal, and fear not: I am the first of God's works, but I eat grass like an ox and my belly is content with little. See this earthen pot where the red lentils soften over the embers: it is the broth of the men of the fields, those who meet me in the pastures. Throw in the onion and a pinch of cumin, let it steam until the seeds dissolve like river mud. Break your barley bread, dip it in—thus ate those who sold a kingdom for a steaming bowl.
- •Red lentils — two handfuls per person (base of the pottage)
- •Onion — one, sliced (aromatic)
- •Extra virgin olive oil — a good drizzle (binder and fat)
- •Cumin and coriander seeds — a pinch of each, crushed (spices)
- •Salt — to taste (seasoning)
- •Barley bread — as much as needed (edible utensil)
Nazid Adashim, Red Lentil Pottage
A thick pottage of melted red lentils, flavored with onion, cumin, and coriander, bound with olive oil. Eaten piping hot, with large pieces of barley bread used as a spoon to dip.
Why this dish? Behemoth, says the Book of Job, "eats grass like an ox": he is a peaceful mass of the prairies, not a predator. What could be more fitting for him than a humble pottage of the earth, this nazid adashim so famous that Esau sold his birthright for it? The red lentil, color of the soil, nourishes the people of the fields that the primordial beast roams while grazing.
Draw near, mortal, and fear not: I am the first of God's works, but I eat grass like an ox and my belly is content with little. See this earthen pot where the red lentils soften over the embers: it is the broth of the men of the fields, those who meet me in the pastures. Throw in the onion and a pinch of cumin, let it steam until the seeds dissolve like river mud. Break your barley bread, dip it in—thus ate those who sold a kingdom for a steaming bowl.
Ingredients (period version)
- Red lentils — two handfuls per person (base of the pottage)
- Onion — one, sliced (aromatic)
- Extra virgin olive oil — a good drizzle (binder and fat)
- Cumin and coriander seeds — a pinch of each, crushed (spices)
- Salt — to taste (seasoning)
- Barley bread — as much as needed (edible utensil)
Ingredients
- Red lentils — 250 g (base of the pottage)
- Onion — 1 large, sliced (aromatic)
- Olive oil — 4 tbsp (binder and fat)
- Ground cumin — 1 tsp (spice)
- Coriander seeds — 1 tsp, crushed (spice)
- Water or vegetable broth — 750 ml (cooking liquid)
- Salt — 1 tsp (seasoning)
- Flat barley or whole wheat bread — 4 pieces (accompaniment)
Method
- Sauté the sliced onion in olive oil over low heat until golden.
- Add cumin and coriander, stir for one minute to release aromas.
- Pour in rinsed red lentils and water, bring to a simmer.
- Cook covered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring, until lentils break down into a thick purée. Season with salt.
- Serve hot, drizzled with olive oil, with bread for dipping.
How it was made : This pottage was cooked in a terracotta pot set on three stones over the hearth. Lentils, dried and stored in jars, were the staple food of the poor: cheap, nourishing, easy to store. One did not eat with a spoon but pinched the bite into a piece of bread.
The contemporary twist : A few pomegranate seeds and a sprinkle of fresh coriander on top: the "red soil" lights up with rubies, a nod to the dish that bought a kingdom.
Sources : Genesis 25:29-34 (Esau and Jacob's red pottage) · Job 40:15 (Behemoth eats grass like an ox)
Behemoth · Charactorium
