Winter in Middle Earth

As the cold days and long nights of winter in Middle Earth come upon us, let us gather for a lavish winter feast.

Winter in Middle Earth

With the cold days and long nights of winter coming upon us, let us imagine the hearty and rustic fare that would warm tables across JRR Tolkien’s Middle Earth. As the nights lengthen and the days grow dark, we can wonder at what foods would be served in the great halls of the Dwarven kings or at the lavish feast tables of the Elven kingdoms. What delicacies would be served by the hobbits, snug in their cozy hobbit holes as the winds of winter howl across the land? Let us explore together some of the culinary delights from different lands for a Winter Feast in Middle Earth.

Hobbits – Creamy Mustard Potatoes

It is well know that all hobbit’s share a deep and abiding love for po-tay-toes. These creamy mustard roasted potatoes are the perfect comforting side dish on a cold winter evening. Tender baby potatoes are roasted until golden brown and then smothered in a decadent cream sauce. The rich cream sauce gets its delightful tang from a dollop of both Dijon and grainy mustard. Fresh dill pairs beautifully with the tangy mustard sauce and adds freshness to this rich and savoury potato dish.

Elves – Spiced Pear, Endive, and Arugula Salad

As winter settles over Imladris, the elves gather for an enchanting feast to drive away the cold and frost. The once lush gardens of Rivendell may be sparse, but there are a few hardy winter greens available. Bitter endive and peppery arugula are paired with fresh pears in this crisp, winter salad. The salad is dressed with a sweet and tangy spiced pear vinaigrette that is delicately flavoured with fresh ginger and ground allspice. Candied pumpkins seeds are dusted with sugar and spices to add a toasty, nutty crunch to this flavourful winter spiced pear salad.

Rohan – Mustard Dill Cauliflower Steak with Horseradish Crumb

Winter in Rohan brings harsh winds across the open fields, driving the horse-lords indoors to find warmth and nourishment in the lively and bustling Meduseld. As snow dusts the rugged landscape outside, the Rohirrim gather inside for simple yet flavourful fare at a winter’s feast. Hearty cauliflower steaks are brushed with a mustard dill marinade and roasted until golden brown while the remaining cauliflower is turned into a cheesy purée. Toasted bread crumbs flavoured with horseradish add a satisfying crunch to balance the creamy purée. This hearty vegetable dish is filling enough for an entrée or can be served alongside the protein of your choice.

Gondor – Fig Glazed Cornish Hens with Barley Stuffing

As winter descends upon Gondor, frost and snow blanket the stone tiers of the White Tower. High in the citadel the people of Minas Tirith gather for a kingly winter feast where elegant fig-glazed Cornish hens are the crowning jewel of the banquet tables. A tender pearl barley stuffing studded with fresh apples and dried figs is a reminder of the plentiful orchard harvests from across the realm, while a rich pan sauce made from the drippings is brightened with a dollop of the sweet and tangy fig glaze. With its burnished skin and hearty stuffing, these noble fig-glazed Cornish hens are the perfect entrée for a winter feast.

Orcs – Black Beer Onion Bread with Black Garlic Butter

Warmed by the fiery fumes of Mt Doom, the orcs huddle together against the stark winter weather on the barren Plateau of Gorgoroth. With little food available, they content themselves to make rustic bread flavoured with charred onions and black beer. Fermented black garlic is pounded into butter for a pungent, slightly sweet topping that pairs perfectly with the malted beer notes. While the ferocious orcs might prefer a meal of roasted meat, a slice of this black beer onion bread pulled from the fire and topped with black garlic butter would certainly fare them well on a cold winter night in Mordor.

Dwarves – Browned Butter and Ale Pudding

Journey deep into the cavernous Misty Mountains for a festive winter feast worthy of Durin’s folk. Their feasting comes to an end with this warm and decadent self-saucing browned butter and ale pudding. Served warm straight from the forge, this moist, golden cake reveals a pool of molten ale-spiked toffee sauce below. The toasty, malted flavour of the ale pairs beautifully with the nutty browned butter in this hearty warm and comforting winter dessert. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this sweet and warm browned butter and ale pudding is sure to delight any dwarf on a cold winter evening.