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Ancient Babylonian Lamb Stew

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Discovered on clay tablet YBC 4644 from ancient Mesopotamia, this hearty lamb stew is one of the oldest recorded recipes in human history, dating back to around 1750 BCE. The original text was written in cuneiform script and provides surprisingly detailed cooking instructions. This adaptation maintains the spirit of the ancient recipe while using modern measurements and techniques.

Prep 00:25
Cook 01:15
Total 01:40
Yield 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lamb meat, cut into small pieces
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 leeks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups beer (ancient Mesopotamian beer was similar to a thick, bread-based beer)
  • 1 tablespoon rendered sheep fat (or butter)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
  • 1 bunch arugula (bitter greens were common in ancient Mesopotamian cooking)
  • 2 tablespoons sourdough bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon dried mint

Instructions

  1. 1
    Prepare the meat by cutting it into small, bite-sized pieces
  2. 2
    Heat the sheep fat or butter in a large pot over medium heat
  3. 3
    Add the meat and brown on all sides
  4. 4
    Add chopped onions, leeks, and garlic to the pot
  5. 5
    Pour in the water and beer
  6. 6
    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer
  7. 7
    Add salt, cumin, and coriander
  8. 8
    Let the stew simmer for about 1 hour, until meat is tender
  9. 9
    Add the bread crumbs to thicken the stew
  10. 10
    Stir in the chopped cilantro and dried mint
  11. 11
    Add the bitter greens (arugula) and cook until just wilted
  12. 12
    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
  13. 13
    Serve hot, preferably in clay bowls for authenticity
Category
Soups
Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Calories
302 kcal
Protein
23.0 g
Fat
15.0 g
Carbs
13.0 g

Recipe Attribution

The Oldest Cuisine in the World: Cooking in Mesopotamia

by Jean Bottéro

This recipe is adapted from translations of Yale Babylonian Collection's tablet YBC 4644. The original text was written in cuneiform script on a clay tablet dating to approximately 1750 BCE. Modern measurements and techniques have been added for clarity.