What did people in biblical times eat?

While the Israelites of the Old Testament era did not leave behind any recipes, the Bible mentions a number of ingredients as well as staples such as bread. Other cultures, like the Babylonians, have given us recipes of sorts, which can help us experiment with flavors that might have been familiar to Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The Persians have left behind lists of ingredients as well as descriptions of some of the meals served in the king’s palace. These can serve as a blueprint for recipes that might have been served to Esther and Nehemiah.

More actual recipes are available from the New Testament period, coming to us mostly from Romans such as Marcus Apicius, who was a wealthy dilettante with a love for food. Like other ancient recipes, they provide us with a list of ingredients (some of which remains indecipherable), but no amounts.

Basically, you are about to embark on a good bit of guess work . . . And fun.

These are recipes that busy, modern readers could attempt and prepare. Most are inspired by my own Middle Eastern background. I suppose it would be more accurate to say that I have created a number of more or less biblical recipes. I have tested a variety of ancient foods on my husband, who thank God, proved valiant enough to try them. I have had a blast creating these, and I hope you will too.

So take off your sandal, fold up your toga, tuck in your tunic, and let’s get down to some modern “biblical” cooking.