Peter Jackson created magic by bringing Tolkiens epic fantasy adventure to the big screen. The sheer magic of the intriguing plot along with the amazing visuals of the Middle earth creates a lasting effect on the viewers minds. Its as if we become a part of the Shire and along with the Men and Elves try to protect the Ring from reaching the deadly Sauron, stopping him from conquering the Middle earth.
Munching delicious food makes the movie-watching experience all the more wonderful. Its food which helps us to bond with our family and friends. Keeping the spirit of The Lord of the Rings alive, these are some choicest recipes that have been handpicked to satisfy your taste buds keeping the authentic spirit of Middle Earth alive. You dont have to be a culinary expert to make them. The ingredients are easily available in your kitchen cabinet. All you need is a little bit of enthusiasm to follow the easy steps. Your friends and guests get to enjoy a gourmet meal fit from the Middle Earth. From cocktails, entre, soups, and desserts every recipe is so different and unique that you will wish to make them again and again.
1. The Black Soup of The Ringwraiths
When you think of darkness, its the image of the deadly Sauron which pops out from Tolkiens The Lord of the Rings and stares at you. Black is not a common color for any appetizer but a black colored soup will evolve a great deal of curiosity on your dining table. You will want to cook it again and again because its steeped in nutrition. It is tasty, thick and fulfilling. You can enjoy this hot black soup on a wintery day anytime. So lets get cooking this soup.
Ingredients
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 tbsp of tomato paste/puree
- 1 tbsp of finely chopped jalapenos
- 3 cans of black beans with their liquids
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Half tbsp of cumin powder
- 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 qtr. of less salty vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 bay leaf
- Half tbsp of chili powder
- For garnish Sliced avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro
Serving Size:
Preparation time: 15 mins
Cooking time: 30 mins
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large pot.
2. Fry the onions over medium flame till they are translucent.
3. Add garlic and jalapenos and fry for another 2 minutes.
4. Now add the tomato paste along with seasonings like salt, cumin, chili, pepper and stir continuously.
5. Add the vegetable or chicken stock, and bay leaf into this and bring to boil.
6. Simmer this soup for a good 15 minutes so that the beans get squashed with all the flavors.
7. Remove the bay leaf and blend this soup to the consistency of your choice in a food blender.
8. Serve hot with a generous dollop of sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.
2. The Magic Lembas Bread of The Elves
True to the characteristics of Elves or Quendi (the first eldest children of Iluvatar who were thought to be fairest and wisest of all the races of Arda) the Lembas is a special bread which is steeped in nutritional values. This superfood is pocket-sized so its easy to keep it in your handbag, school bag or bag pack and enjoy it anywhere. You will be surprised to find it fresh for a long time if you manage to keep it wrapped up in the leaves. Commonly called waybread it is shaped like thin cakes and is brownish on the outer side. Lets share the closely guarded recipe of the Elves so you can cook this superfood anytime.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of butter
- cup of brown sugar or cup of fresh honey
- tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of baking powder
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- tsp of vanilla extract
- If necessary, some heavy cream or milk
Serving Size:
Preparation time: 15 mins
Cooking time: 15 mins
Instructions
1. Any good baking starts with a preheated oven (425 degrees Fahrenheit).
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
3. Mix in butter and try to make a crumble of fine granules.
4. Add cinnamon and sugar and mix well.
5. For aroma, add vanilla and cream/milk using a fork until a thick dough forms.
6. We need to roll the dough out to inch thickness.
7. Line the baking dish with a cookie sheet and place the dough cut out in 3-inch squares.
8. To give them an authentic shape, just cut cross using a knife.
9. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes until the bread gets a golden hue.
3. Sams Crunchy Leafy Green Salad
This fresh leafy green salad will rejuvenate you the way the serene beautiful garden of Sam did in the Lord of the Rings. It has the farm-fresh vegetables oozing with all their richness and flavors. To kick-start the day on a healthy and light note you can have this salad even for breakfast. Choose your own salad dressings depending on your mood and occasion. But I can bet that it will be a dependable companion for any meal just like Sam.