5 Bible-Inspired Recipes That Reflect God’s Design for Eating Well

1. Lentil Stew with Olive Oil and Herb Flatbread

This meal brings together two biblical images: Jacob’s red lentil stew (Genesis 25:29-34) and God’s promise of olive oil, bread, and other abundant food in a good land (Deuteronomy 8:7-10). Esau’s choice to trade his birthright for a bowl of stew warns us not to trade eternal blessings for temporary satisfaction. Even though we no longer have birthrights to trade, we can often be tempted to choose temporary pleasures over the lasting joy we can find with God. Cooking lentils slowly while we watch them soften and absorb flavor can remind us of the importance of being patient and trusting God’s timing for answers to our prayers. The olive oil brushed on the flatbread reminds us that God provides for us with generosity. In the ancient world, olive oil was a sign of blessing and anointing.

As we break the bread and dip it into the lentil stew, we can meditate on Jesus’ words from John 6:35: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.” Sharing this simple yet delicious meal with our family or friends can inspire us to talk together about God’s faithfulness in our lives. As we eat mindfully, we can enjoy conversations that enrich us spiritually while the healthy ingredients in this meal enrich us physically.

Lentil Stew Recipe:

2 cups dried lentils, rinsed
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

6 cups vegetable broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Flatbread Recipe:

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp olive oil
3/4 cup warm water
Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
Extra olive oil for brushing

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and sauté until soft.

Stir in cumin and paprika, letting the spices bloom.

Add lentils, tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Season with salt and pepper.

For the flatbread, mix flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl. Add olive oil and warm water, knead into dough, and let rest for 5 minutes.

Divide dough into 6 pieces, roll thin, and cook in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. Brush with olive oil and herbs.

Serve stew alongside fresh flatbread.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Tatsiana Volkava 

2. Fish and Barley Loaves

When Jesus fed more than 5,000 people with only five loaves and two fish (Luke 9:10-17), verses 16-17 report: “Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” This meal can inspire us to believe in miracles by reminding us that God can take what seems small and multiply it beyond measure. As we eat this meal, we can imagine being in that crowd of hungry people that Jesus miraculously fed. The disciples only had a boy’s lunch to offer, but when they surrendered it to Jesus, it became enough for all the many people gathered there to eat until they were full.

This Bible story encourages us to trust God with whatever resources we have – our time, talents, money, etc. – and trust God to provide for us generously so that the little resources we have can grow into some big blessings because we offered them to God. It also challenges us to share our resources generously with other people, since our small acts of faithfully helping others may become miracles for the people in need who we help. Eating this meal can encourage us that nothing we place in God’s hands is ever wasted. The fish and loaves are symbols of God’s invitation to bring what we have to him and trust him to do the rest.

Recipe:

2 fresh fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, sliced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

Fresh herbs (parsley or dill)
2 cups cooked barley
2 tbsp butter or olive oil for barley
Whole-grain rolls or loaves

Substitution tip: If you prefer, you can substitute chicken breast (for a mild, lean protein) or tofu (for a vegetarian option) in place of fish.

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place fish on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and lemon slices.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the fish flakes easily.
Toss cooked barley with butter or olive oil and herbs.
Serve fish with barley and fresh bread.

Photo Credit: Pexels/Mariana Kurnyk 

3. Fig and Pomegranate Salad

In the Bible, figs and pomegranates are symbols of God’s blessings. Micah 4:4 declares: “Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken.” God chose pomegranates to decorate the priest’s clothing for worshiping in the tabernacle. God tells Moses in Exodus 28:33-34: “Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe.”

This salad, with its bright colors and fresh flavors, can inspire us to thank God for the blessings he pours into our lives constantly. The crunchy walnuts, sweet figs, and tart pomegranate seeds all come together well in this salad. As we eat it, we can reflect on how the body of Christ forms one powerful whole even though it’s made up of many parts (1 Corinthians 12:12). Just as each ingredient in this salad complements the others, each member of the church has a role that contributes well to us all. Eating this salad can inspire us to look for the many wonderful ways God works in our lives every day.

Recipe:

6 fresh figs, halved
1 pomegranate, seeds removed
4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted

1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey

Instructions: 

Arrange greens in a large bowl.
Top with figs, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and goat cheese.
Whisk olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle dressing and serve.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/alvarez  

4. Grilled Fish with Olives and Herbs

After Jesus’ resurrection, he appeared to his disciples by the Sea of Galilee and made breakfast for them (John 21:1-14). John 21:12-13 reports: “Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ None of the disciples dared ask him, ‘Who are you?’ They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.”

This grilled fish dish recalls that miraculous breakfast with Jesus. The olives and herbs add the Mediterranean flavors of the Bible. Eating this dish encourages us to listen to Jesus inviting us to know him better. Just like Jesus inspired his disciples with fresh insights at that breakfast, Jesus calls us to discover more of his awe-inspiring wisdom. This Bible story is also about reconciliation. Peter, who had denied Jesus three times, was restored at this breakfast when Jesus asked him three times: “Do you love me?” (John 21:15-17). As we eat this meal, we can be grateful for the grace Jesus gives us. Jesus welcomes us to his table whenever we choose to join him there!

Recipe:

2 fresh fish fillets (such as sea bass or snapper)
3 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup pitted olives (green or black), chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp lemon zest
Lemon wedges for serving

Substitution tip: This recipe also works well with either chicken breast or marinated tofu.

Instructions:

Preheat the grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
Rub fish with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Grill or roast for 15-20 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
Top with chopped olives, parsley, and lemon zest.
Serve with lemon wedges.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/dulezidar 

5. Milk and Honey Custard

When Moses described the Promised Land as “a land flowing with milk and honey” (Deuteronomy 26:9), he was pointing out God’s generosity and promise to provide abundantly for his people. This custard brings that promise to mind with its natural sweetness and creaminess. Milk is a symbol of nourishment and honey is a symbol of joy. They come together in this dessert. As we enjoy each bite of the milk and honey custard, we can reflect on Psalm 34:8: “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

The smooth texture and comforting flavor of this custard remind us that God’s goodness is something we can experience through our senses, so we can know it in practical ways.  Just as custard comforts our bodies, God comforts our souls whenever we trust that he will be good to us. Enjoying this dessert can help us celebrate the generous ways God provides for us, because of his great love for us.

Recipe:

2 cups milk
3 eggs
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
Warm milk gently (do not boil).
Whisk eggs, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Slowly add warm milk to the egg mixture.
Pour into ramekins, place in a water bath, and bake for 40-45 minutes.
Cool slightly before serving.

In conclusion, food plays an important part of how the Bible tells us God’s story with his people. God shows us his love by generously providing delicious and nutritious food for us to enjoy. Cooking and eating Bible-inspired recipes can help us experience God’s goodness and celebrate his love!

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/StefaNikolic