I have realised that every time my characters wander into a tavern or inn that the first thing they ask is what is there to eat. Now this probably says a lot more about me than it does about them, but I have also begun to think that perhaps the taverns that I invent are the ones I myself would like to visit.
This is the first in a very occasional series of recipes that might fit in with your fantasy tavern.
This one is a basic stew than can be made with mutton or beef, cooks slowly all morning and can be kept warm over the fire for the landlady to serve up with bread
One of the things we miss in the modern gastro pub is the big bowl of spicy soup, a hunk of bread and a big frothy beer.
In poor communities, as you get to pumpkin season, vegetable soups flavoured with a bit of fat and perhaps a bit of peppers and chilli were a warming treat that would be welcome in any tavern. Well, here is a recipe...
Well, I have already covered soup and stew, but in your crackling warm tavern in your fantasy world, one of the mainstays of the food offering is bread. Not for us is that pappy cotton wool rubbish sold by supermarkets, but a fresh, crunchy, rippable, herb-filled wonder that you could almost dunk in your beer!
Here is another good old Tavern Favourite for those writing about taverns in your fantasy novel.
Boiled Beef and Carrots is a bit of an English tradition, though one that has fallen out of favour. Properly cooked it is delicious and perfect for that tavern on winter nights with your dragon parked outside.
