Esau's Pottage

Esau's Pottage is one of the most famous recipes in history. Various simmered red lentil dishes are known as Esau's Pottage in Biblical lands (Bible verses below).

2 tablespoons olive or other oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (or 1 teaspoon dry)
1 1/2 cups dry red lentils
2 quarts (8 cups) water
4 to 6 chicken bouillon cubes
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a large pot. Add the onion, celery and garlic. Saute until the onion is translucent and every thing smells really good. Add the lentils, water and bouillon cubes. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the pottage over medium heat for about 45 minutes, or until the lentils are nice and tender. Taste the pottage and add salt and pepper to taste.

Genesis 25:27-34 World English Bible

25:27 The boys grew. Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field. Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. 25:28 Now Isaac loved Esau, because he ate his venison. Rebekah loved Jacob. 25:29 Jacob boiled stew. Esau came in from the field, and he was famished. 25:30 Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am famished.” Therefore his name was called Edom.

25:31 Jacob said, “First, sell me your birthright.”

25:32 Esau said, “Behold, I am about to die. What good is the birthright to me?”

25:33 Jacob said, “Swear to me first.”

He swore to him. He sold his birthright to Jacob. 25:34 Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils. He ate and drank, rose up, and went his way. So Esau despised his birthright.