World Flavors Cookbook

Kishim (Turnip Stew with Meat)

A Yale tablet recipe named 'Kishim' — a hearty stew of turnips, meat, leeks, onion, and spices, one of the most detailed surviving ancient recipes.

Cuisine: Ancient World

Ingredients

• 500g lamb or goat, diced
• 4 turnips, peeled and diced
• 3 tbsp fat (sheep fat or butter)
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 leeks, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 tsp samidu (substitute: fresh mint + dill)
• 1 tsp coriander
• 500ml water or light broth

Instructions

1. Melt fat in a heavy pot. Brown meat.
2. Add salt, water, and bring to a boil.
3. Add turnips, leeks, and onion.
4. Add coriander and herbs.
5. Simmer 1 hour until turnips are very soft and the stew is thick.
6. The turnips should begin to dissolve slightly, thickening the broth.
7. Serve in bowls.