The oldest recipe

[Mik]

The Oldest Recorded Recipe in History: Babylonian Lamb Stew

Over 4,000 years ago, scribes in ancient Mesopotamia etched this recipe into clay tablets—making it the first known written recipe in human history.

No measurements. No precise times. Just instinct, experience, and sacred ingredients passed down through temple kitchens and royal courts.

Here’s the translation from the cuneiform Yale Tablets:

“Mutton is used. Prepare water, add fat. Samidu; coriander; cumin; and kanasu. Assemble all the ingredients in the cooking vessel and sprinkle with crushed garlic. Then blend into the pot suhutinnu and mint.”

What does that become today? A slow-simmered stew of lamb and parsnip, infused with coriander, cumin, garlic, and fresh mint. It’s earthy, rich, and aromatic—worthy of a Sumerian king or Babylonian priest.

Recipe + historical source: https://eatshistory.com/the-oldest-recorded-recipe.../

[wtg]

Well that sounds pretty damn tasty.

Did they have a version for the Instant Pot?

Wait, maybe the IP has a slow cooker setting; I don't have a crock pot anymore....

[Mik]

That would likely be a good method. I think mine does slow cooker. If not I’ll use my new Dutch oven.

[Piano*Dad]

Interesting. The recipe calls for cubed lamb and the video shows cooking whole chops.

[Mik]

I wonder which is more Babylonian.

[RealPlayer]

Sounds like a fine recipe.

So smart to add delicate herbs (mint) at the end to preserve their flavor.

[Jodi]

Sounds super yummy.

[Steve Miller]

Looks great! I think the Dutch oven in the gas oven would be the way to go.

[AdagioM]

@wtg Yes, IP does have a slow cooker setting. I haven’t used it yet! I gave up my crock pot because I don’t have room for TWO big appliances.

[Steve Miller]

@AdagioM

I’ve found that the IP isn’t great as a slow cooker. It heats from the bottom, there’s no ceramic crock to spread the heat up the sides, and it runs hot.

I like the results from a Dutch oven better anyway.