Neanderthal FlatbreadResearchers working in Shanidar Cave in northern Iraq uncovered the charred remnants of a 70,000 year old meal cooked by Neanderthals. Not only did this discovery broaden the known dietary spectrum of Homo neanderthalensis, it offered a great opportunity for some experimental archaeology.The evidence suggested that Neanderthals soaked, pounded and ground a variety of pulses and seeds into a coarse dough before cooking into what affectionately amounts to “Neanderthal flatbread”.For this experiment, Wild lentils were combined with mustard seed, flax seed, wheat and barley in a bowl of water overnight. The next day they were ground together, pressed into flat cakes and cooked on a stone in the fire. The flavor was reminiscent of granola bars and they were actually quite tasty- especially when sweetened with a bit of honey or date. Steve Zuppa
Something Bourdain would have liked to try? Me, too.