World Flavors Cookbook

Sumerian Lentil Porridge

Red lentils boiled until dissolved with onion, cumin, and fat — the most common meal of Sumerian workers, documented in ration tablets from the city of Lagash.

Cuisine: Ancient World

Ingredients

• 300g red lentils
• 1L water
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp sesame oil or butter
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• Salt

Instructions

1. Rinse lentils until water runs clear.
2. Boil with water 20-25 minutes, stirring, until completely dissolved into a thick porridge.
3. Meanwhile, fry onion and garlic in oil until golden.
4. Add cumin and coriander to the onion. Cook 1 minute.
5. Pour spiced onion over lentil porridge. Stir.
6. Season generously with salt.
7. Serve in clay bowls.