Cooking is a Jesus Thing

As far as keeping house goes, I generally welcome cooking as one of my happier tasks. Maybe because I like to eat. Maybe because it feels like art— the colors, the textures, the fragrances blending into edible loveliness.

In Keeping House, Margaret Kim Peterson says that the "'homely' character of redemption is...one of the overarching themes of scripture." Among other things, Jesus speaks of the kingdom of God as a banquet and he describes conversion as God and Christ coming to make their home with us. Indeed, Jesus says, to feed the hungry and clothe the naked is to do the work of the kingdom (Matthew 25:40); when we do this, it's as if we did it for Christ himself. (p.16)

How blessed to think that when I chop, crush, spice and simmer, I am engaging in spiritual as well as physical art. It inspires me to share another recipe with you.

African Chickpea Stew

Saute until lightly browned...

• 1 small onion, chopped


Add and saute briefly...

• 2 garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika


Add and simmer about 10 minutes...

• 2 cups Muir Glen tomato and basil puree
• 2 cans (or equivalent dry and cooked) chickpeas
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped chunky (can add later if you like them a little greener and firmer)
• 1/2-1 tsp salt
• pepper to taste


Put on top and cook covered until "sunny"...

• 6-8 eggs


Finish...

• a few pours olive oil

Serve with rice or crusty bread, salad and green beans.