Lentil & Vegetable Stew
Barley was one of the most common grains in biblical times, featured in stories like the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:9), while dates were valued for their natural sweetness and energy. This porridge reflects the simplicity and sweetness of desert-era meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup barley
– 3 cups water
– ½ cup chopped dates
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– ½ cup almond or oat milk
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup or date syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse barley and cook in water until soft (about 30–40 minutes).
2. Stir in chopped dates, cinnamon, and plant-based milk.
3. Simmer for a few more minutes, then drizzle with syrup if desired.
4. Serve warm.
This stew is not only hearty and nourishing but also symbolic of shared meals and humble beginnings. Its warmth and simplicity reflect the essence of compassion and service that lies at the heart of many faith-based traditions.
