Biblical background
of Mansaf
Rice was not used in
Jordan before the twentieth century, as rice is not a notional product of
Jordan, it's actually imported. The Mansaf, years ago, was cooked with
grounded wheat (Jarish in Arabic) and flatbread (Shrak in Arabic).
Historical Jordanian Mansaf is based on three main local product; wheat,
milk and meat. Read the following verses of Genesis 18, the food
mentioned in these verses is similar to the Jordanian contemporary
Mansaf. 1- The LORD appeared to Abraham by the terebinth of Mamre,
as he sat in the entrance of his tent, while the day was
growing hot. 2- Looking up, he saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from
the entrance of the tent to greet them; and bowing to the ground, 3-
he
said: "Sir, if I may ask you this favor, please do not go on past your servant. 4- Let some water be brought, that you may bathe your feet, and then rest
yourselves under the tree. 5- Now that you have come this close to your servant, let me bring you a little
food, that you may refresh yourselves; and afterward you may go on your way."
"Very well," they replied, "do as you have said." 6-
Abraham
hastened into the tent and told Sarah, "Quick, three seahs of fine flour!
Knead it and make rolls." 7- He ran to the herd, picked out a tender, choice steer, and gave it to a
servant, who quickly prepared it. 8- Then
he got some curds and milk, as well as the steer that had been prepared, and set
these before them; and he waited on them under the tree while they ate.