New Testament Pottage
A hearty and flavorful lentil and ham hock stew inspired by historical recipes, featuring aromatic spices and rich meat, perfect for comforting meals and traditional cuisine enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover lentils with 2 cups boiling water, then cool and drain.
- Fry crushed garlic with onions in sesame or safflower oil.
- Add cumin and coriander to the garlic and onion mixture.
- Add drained lentils to the mixture and stir well.
- Add ham hocks, celery salt, and bay leaves to the lentil mixture.
- Pour in 1 quart of water and simmer tightly covered for 2 hours.
- Remove ham hocks from the stew.
- Cut off the rind from the ham hocks and finely chop the meat.
- Return chopped ham to the lentil stew and stir in.
- Add nonfat dried milk to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding diced carrots and celery to the garlic and onion mixture. If you don't have ham hocks, smoked turkey or a vegetarian substitute like mushrooms can work well. To enhance the dish, use homemade vegetable broth instead of water for added richness. Adjust the spices based on your preference; a little smoked paprika can add a nice touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty pottage with a side of crusty bread or a fresh Greek-Style Salad for a balanced meal. It also pairs wonderfully with Green Beans Sorrento for a complete dinner experience. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the stew has thickened. This dish also freezes well; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Testament Pottage contains roughly 842 calories, with 15g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (148% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), and calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 966mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this pottage vegetarian by omitting the ham hocks and using vegetable broth instead of water. Consider adding more vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
How can I thicken the pottage?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot after cooking. Alternatively, adding a slurry made from cornstarch and water can quickly thicken the stew.
What can I serve with New Testament Pottage?
This dish is versatile and pairs well with various sides. You might try it with Stuffed Peppers In Tomato Sauce or a light salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a grain like quinoa.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).