Spring in Middle Earth
BY Alison Wiebe
As the first buds of spring begin to open, let us embark on a journey of spring in Middle Earth to sample the many delicacies!
The snow is melting and the first buds are blossoming—it is spring in Middle Earth. Let us imagine what springtime foods would grace the tables of JRR Tolkien’s Middle Earth. With the winter stores of last year’s harvest beginning to dwindle, all the races of Middle Earth would look to the early offerings of the earth.
From tender shoots and greens to the first root vegetables—what delicacies would grace the elegant tables of the Elven kingdoms or the great halls of the Dwarven kings? We can wonder at what foods would be enjoyed from the far cities of men to the quiet hills of the Shire.
We have gathered a collection of Middle Earth recipes from every corner of the land for a springtime literary feast!
The Shire – Potato Leek Pie
With their love of the cozy life and of growing things, the hobbits are sure to be busy in their gardens harvesting early spring leeks and pulling the last of the winter potatoes from their pantries for this savoury potato pie.
Rivendell – Spring Greens Star Bread
Spring greens and herbs are gathered by the elves from their ethereal gardens and surrounding woodlands for this soft and tender pull-apart bread shaped like a star.
Rohan – Crispy Smashed Potatoes and Radishes with Bacon Vinaigrette
Tender new potatoes and radishes tilled from the earth paired with a bacon vinaigrette are the perfect hearty rustic fare for the Rohirrim.
The Misty Mountains – Roasted Beets with Honey Dill Vinaigrette, Blue Cheese and Walnuts
Earthy beets cultivated by the resourceful dwarves from the valleys beneath the Misty Mountains pair well with a honey dill yogurt sauce, tangy blue cheese, fresh dill and toasted walnuts.
Gondor – Lemon Chamomile Chicken with Spring Vegetables
For an elegant yet satisfying spring feast, the people of Gondor have prepared a roast chicken flavoured with aromatic herbs and spring vegetables from the fertile farmlands and sunlit terraces of southern Gondor.
The Shire – Rhubarb Tart with Oat Crust
Early spring rhubarb from the Shire gardens is the perfect filling for this rustic tart made with a sweet oat crust.
