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In biblical times, meals were often simple yet hearty. They were made with ingredients that were readily available in the ancient Middle East. Goat meat was a common protein source. As goats were valuable livestock that provided milk, meat, and skins for everyday life. This Goat Meat Stew reflects the kind of wholesome and rustic dish that would have been prepared in households across ancient Israel.
References to goat meat appear in several passages of the Bible, such as when Abraham prepares a meal for the three visitors in Genesis 18:7:
“Abraham ran to the herd and took a tender and good calf, and gave it to a young man, and he hastened to prepare it.”
While this verse speaks of a calf, goat meat was equally significant in biblical diets, especially for stews. Below is a recreation of a simple, authentic stew using ingredients available during biblical times.
Goat Meat Stew
Equipment
- Large Stew Pot or Clay Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 pounds goat meat bone in, cut in chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic crushed
- 3 cups water or broth
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 2 cups lentils or chickpeas
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried herbs such as thyme or oregano
- 2 bay leaves optional
- 1 tbsp honey optional for sweetness
Instructions
1. Prepare the Goat Meat
- Rinse the goat meat and pat it dry with a clean cloth.
- If necessary, trim excess fat while keeping the bones for added flavor.
2. Sear the Meat
- In a large clay pot, cast-iron pot, or heavy-bottomed stew pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the goat meat chunks and brown them on all sides to seal in the flavor. Remove the meat and set it aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables
- Add the chopped onions and crushed garlic to the same pot. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
4. Simmer the Stew
- Return the goat meat to the pot and add water or broth.
- Stir in the carrots, lentils, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. If using bay leaves, add them now.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the goat meat is tender and the lentils are cooked through.
5. Add Honey (optional)
- For a hint of biblical sweetness, stir in a tablespoon of honey during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve
- Remove the bay leaves (if used) and serve the stew warm in clay bowls or simple wooden dishes, as was common in ancient times.
Serving Suggestions
Goat meat stew pairs beautifully with other biblical-inspired foods, such as:
- Unleavened bread for dipping
- Barley bread, a staple grain in biblical diets
- Fresh vegetables, like cucumbers, onions, and herbs
This meal is hearty, nutritious, and simple—just as it would have been thousands of years ago.
Biblical Inspiration
Meals in ancient Israel were often prepared with gratitude and reverence for God’s provision. Goat meat, in particular, was a treasured ingredient used in family meals and special occasions. This stew allows you to recreate a small piece of biblical history, savoring a dish enjoyed by God’s people for generations.
Scripture Inspiration:
“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth.” — Psalm 104:14
Enjoy this simple, wholesome dish as you reflect on God’s faithfulness and the timeless traditions of biblical cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Goat Meat Stew recipe offers a simple yet flavorful glimpse into the meals of biblical times. By combining tender goat meat with wholesome ingredients like lentils, carrots, and herbs, this dish reflects the resourcefulness and gratitude of ancient cooking traditions.
Preparing and enjoying this stew not only provides nourishment but also invites reflection on God’s provision and the rich history of biblical meals. Whether served as a unique family dinner or part of a Bible-inspired gathering, this recipe connects us to the timeless traditions of faith, simplicity, and community.
As you savor this meal, take a moment to appreciate how God sustains us with food and blessings each day.
“Give us today our daily bread.” — Matthew 6:11
Let this hearty dish warm your body and spirit! Want more recipes? Feel free to Ask.
Have you made this Goat Meat Stew recipe? Let me know in the comments!
