The Miracle of Three Fish and a Can of Beans

Food has always been more than mere sustenance; it’s a bridge to history, a symbol of resilience, and a testament to faith. The dish I call The Miracle of Three Fish and a Can of Beans is rooted in both personal experience and a biblical inspiration—the story of Jesus feeding the multitudes with five loaves and two fish. For me, this recipe is more than a meal; it represents survival, resourcefulness, and the unshakable belief that even the smallest provisions, when used wisely, can be enough.

A Dish Born from Necessity and Faith

I first made this dish during a time of scarcity. Life had thrown me into a storm where every dollar had to stretch, and creativity in the kitchen was a necessity. I had a few staple ingredients—canned sardines, garbanzo beans, a bell pepper, butter, chicken broth, and a few condiments. It wasn’t a feast, but it was what I had. As I prepared the meal, I thought about the biblical passage in Matthew 14:13-21, where Jesus took a small offering of fish and bread, blessed it, and fed thousands. That moment of divine multiplication has always resonated with me. It’s a reminder that when we approach life with faith and gratitude, what seems small can become abundant.

As I stood over my stovetop, stirring the pot, I was reminded of why many churches observe Fish Fridays—a tradition tied to fasting, sacrifice, and reflection on Christ’s provision. Fish has long been a symbol of faith, a reminder of the miracles that sustain us both physically and spiritually. The mustard in this dish also carries deep meaning. It echoes the words of Jesus in Matthew 17:20, where He speaks of faith as small as a mustard seed being enough to move mountains. Even the smallest bit of faith, like a dash of mustard in a recipe, can transform everything around it.

A Moment of Reflection While Cooking

This lesson in faith was never clearer to me than when I stood in my kitchen, preparing this dish for the first time. I had just left a two-year-long abusive relationship with nothing but my baby girl, who was under a year old, and another baby on the way. I had no money and no idea how we were going to survive. But I had faith, and that faith carried me forward one step at a time.

We moved into a small apartment—tiny and imperfect, with a bullet hole in one of the windows—but it was ours. It was shelter. It was a beginning. We lived there for five months before finally finding a home with a beautiful fenced-in yard, space to garden, and kind neighbors. The VA and the surrounding community provided the support I needed, helping me rebuild my life, little by little.

There were times when I didn't yet have the aid to feed my family, and I had to make thirty dollars stretch for an entire month. The Miracle of Three Fish and a Can of Beans became a meal that sustained us—both physically and spiritually. Stirring the pot, I would whisper prayers of gratitude, thanking God for guiding me, for keeping me, and for showing me that even in my hardest moments, He was there. Every bite was a reminder that faith multiplies what we have, just like the loaves and fish in scripture.

The Experience of the Dish

“The Miracle of Three Fish and a Can of Beans” is a dish that surprises you. At first glance, it seems humble. But one bite reveals a layered depth—rich, buttery warmth, the smoky heat from the sardines, the creaminess of garbanzo beans, and the bright acidity of lemon juice. The Dijon mustard cuts through with a sharp tang, tying everything together in a way that feels both unexpected and deeply satisfying. Served over warm rice, the dish transforms into a complete, hearty meal.

It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience—one that reminds me that even in the hardest times, something nourishing, comforting, and meaningful can come together with the simplest ingredients.

Recipe: The Miracle of Three Fish and a Can of Beans

Ingredients:

1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

1/4 cup butter

1 can sardines in hot tomato sauce, rinsed

1/4 cup chicken broth

1 can garbanzo beans (chick peas), drained and rinsed

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until melted.

Add the chopped bell pepper and sauté until softened and slightly browned.

Add the rinsed sardines and stir gently to break them apart.

Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.

Add the garbanzo beans, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir well.

Let the mixture simmer until thickened and sizzling, about 5-7 minutes.

Serve hot, either on its own or over a bed of warm rice.

Why This Dish Matters

Every time I open my album of recipes and see “The Miracle of Three Fish and a Can of Beans”, I remember that food is more than what’s on the plate—it’s about the memories, the lessons, and the faith woven into every bite. This dish is a testament to resilience, to making the most of what we have, and to trusting that even the simplest things can sustain us in ways beyond nourishment.

Fish has always been more than just food—it’s a sacred symbol, a reminder of the nourishment that faith provides. The mustard, though small, carries the weight of a powerful truth: faith, even as tiny as a mustard seed, is enough to transform the impossible into reality.

What started as a meal born out of necessity has become a personal testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and divine provision. I no longer make this dish out of desperation, but out of remembrance—a way to honor the journey and the blessings that have come since.

Food is history. Food is faith. And for me, this dish is both. May this meal remind you that even in the most trying times, faith, resourcefulness, and gratitude can turn the simplest ingredients into a feast of hope.