Ss. Daniel & the Three Young Men Roasted Vegetables

A Brief History

The Biblical book of Daniel is the best place to go to learn about the Old Testament wise man’s life during the Babylonian captivity and his relationships with Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (also called Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednago). One of the most notable narratives in this portion of Scripture tells us about the difficulty that Daniel and the three young men had in eating the king’s food during their education by the court.

While King Nebudchanezzar ordered them to eat extravagant Chaldean food—items that were probably very expensive, rare, and luxurious—Daniel and his counterparts were wary of consuming it since the food and wine had been involved in religious ceremonies for heathen idols. Anyone who ate this food was connected to this idol worship, which went directly against the Israelites’ beliefs.

Also, God had given the Hebrews strict laws about food. Pork and some other kinds of meat were not to be used at all, and when cattle or sheep were killed, the blood was to be carefully drained from them. These rules were not followed in Babylon. Daniel felt he would be defiled and dishonor God if he did not keep God’s laws.

The man in charge of these Hebrews and their studies was sympathetic to Daniel’s refusal to eat the food. However, disobeying the king was risky. Thus, Daniel suggested a ten-day test where the Hebrew boys would eat only vegetables and drink only water, refusing to partake in the consumption of the king’s luxurious food and wine. If Daniel and the three young men became weaker in that ten-day timeframe, they would eat what the king ordered. However, if there was no notable difference, they would continue on with their fast.

At the end of the ten days, lo and behold, they were deemed even healthier than all the other men studying and were able to continue on in their fast. Looking at the story, it is clear that the Lord preserved them and their health in this decision and surely kept them in his care throughout their time under the king’s tutelage as well as during the rest of their adventures in the Babylonian captivity.

Roasted Vegetables

This roasted vegetable dish is the perfect pairing with Ss. Daniel and the Three Young Men’s Day on December 17th. First, it pays homage to the ways in which these young scholars ate while studying for the king’s court. Second, it is the perfect cozy winter vegetable dish, most appropriate for the Advent season and the shortened days. Perhaps, like Daniel, making and eating this dish can even encourage you in your own personal restraint from all the luxurious and extravagant foods that are in abundance during the pre-Christmas period and can thus help you continue to focus your hearts and minds on Christ in this penitential season.

We love this quick and easy option as it could be the perfect side to a bigger meal or even serve as a meal replacement and fasting option for a smaller breakfast or lunch. To make it a little more seasonally appropriate, we recommend using cranberries and balsamic vinegar to dress the veggies up, but feel free to add or subtract vegetables to your liking and depending on what you have on hand!

Ingredients

1 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

3 large carrots, peeled and sliced

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. chopped rosemary leaves

1 tsp. chopped thyme leaves

Sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

½ c. toasted nuts (pecans, almonds, and/or walnuts)

½ c. dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Slice vegetables and arrange on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Toss with oil, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, and thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste .
2. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and golden brown.
3. Before serving, toss roasted vegetables with nuts, cranberries, and more rosemary.