Hello everybody. I’m sure you all like good food – who doesn’t. For us, finding it is easy, we can simply go to a restaurant or store and buy whatever our heart desires. In some ages, it was not as easy. Some would then accept what they had, but others still looked for ways to eat decently. The latter will be today’s main subject. It all begins in rough times…
***
Eastern shores of the Lake, year 34 of Era III
The Orte rebellion, which started in the early years of the Third Era and lasted for well over two centuries, was not an easy time for the inhabitants of Revenith, especially those living in the western provinces, held with greatest strength by the rebels. They were mostly allowed to continue their lives as usual, but nonetheless faced many difficulties.
Most notably, trade companies feared rebel attacks, which led to severe decrease in transport across the occupied regions. In consequence, the inhabitants of the area were mostly forced to live off whatever they could grow and produce themselves. For commoners, it was no issue – they did not use many things imported from distant provinces, as almost all basic products, most importantly staple foods, were available locally.
For the wealthy, at least those who did not collaborate with the rebels, it was a problem. Their diet was often diverse, and consisted of varied meats and vegetables. Most of them were imported from southern and eastern provinces, or even from abroad. In wartime, they lost this possibility, and some were unable to accept that and follow the diet of common folk. Their servants looked for new solutions, but it was a difficult task under the conditions. Dozens of simple recipes were tried before one chef found something that pleased his employer.
The dish was inspired by the common cuisine, but contained several modifications. The basis was fermented dough, and when mature, it was mixed with fish, as well as vegetables and herbs, provided these were available. Despite the advancement in many mansions, it was usually baked with the most traditional method – on a large rock preheated in fire. The final product was a relatively thin, crispy pie. It was a simple meal, but given the situation it was exceptionally gourmet.
The creator of the dish would normally keep the concept to himself. Under the harsh circumstances, though, he decided to share it with chefs and servants he knew so that they could also satisfy their lords’ needs. The fish pie quickly gained popularity, and became nobles’ staple food for decades, practically until the end of the rebellion.
That is the end of this brief story. Thank you for now.
Aedilër 