Summer feast in Middle Earth

As the long golden days of summer unfold across the landscape of Middle Earth, join us at the tables across different regions for a summer feast in Middle Earth! For more summer Middle Earth recipes, you may wish to explore our Hobbit Pantry series for summer preserves and condiments.

The sun is high and the days are long, it is summer in Middle Earth. As the gardens and orchards are in full growth and the fields shimmer with golden crops, the different cultures and regions of Middle Earth celebrate the season of abundance. From lush riverside meadows to sun-baked plains, the tables of Middle Earth are laden with the finest produce of the summer harvest.

From fragrant herb gardens and flowering orchards to the rugged fields of men and the shadowed lands of Mordor, what dishes would grace the tables of hobbits, elves and dwarves? We have gathered a collection of summer recipes from every corner of Middle Earth for a warm-weather literary feast!

The Shire – Herb Baked Trout with New Potatoes

On a warm summer evening, the hobbits of the Shire turn from their pantry stores to the freshest offerings of the season – a whole trout, herb-stuffed and baked with lemon, served alongside buttery sautéed new potatoes straight from the garden.

Rivendell – Herbed White Bean Crostini

In the sunlit gardens of Rivendell, the elves blend white beans with fragrant summer herbs and spread them over lightly toasted crostini, topped with delicate dressed pea shoots. A light yet nourishing appetizer that reflects the elves’ artful simplicity.

Misty Mountains – Stout Glazed Steak and Onion Skewers

Deep in the cavernous heart of the Misty Mountains, the dwarves gather for a summer feast around an open fire. Steak marinated in dark stout is threaded onto skewers with sweet red onion and glazed until rich, sticky, and deeply flavoured. This is bold, hearty fare worthy of Durin’s folk.

Mordor – Sweet and Spicy Oven Baked Ribs

From the dark and fiery lands of Mordor come these boldly flavoured ribs, glazed with a sweet and spicy sauce and slow-baked until falling off the bone tender.

Rohan – Barley Kale and Blueberry Salad

From the windswept golden plains of Rohan comes this hearty grain salad of nutty barley, sturdy kale and sweet summer blueberries – robust and nourishing fare perfect for the horse-lords of the Mark.

Gondor – Cheese and Herb Stuffed Flatbread

From the sunlit terraces and fertile farmlands of Gondor comes this herb-filled flatbread, stuffed with melting cheese and fragrant herbs. The kind of hearty, satisfying fare that would sustain the men of the White City through long summer days.

The Shire – Strawberries and Cream Pie

As the summer feast draws to a close, we return to the Shire for a final sweet treat. With the last of the season’s strawberries piled high on a golden graham cracker crust with clouds of whipped cream cheese, this pie is a perfect celebration of the hobbits’ love of simple pleasures and the bounty of their beloved gardens.