The medieval period lasted almost a thousand years and is arguably one of the most interesting eras in history. While we don’t typically associate medieval times with good cuisine, there were a few commonly made dishes that, with a little modification, are definitely worth a try today. With this in mind, here are five medieval dishes you should consider making.
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Benes Yfryed
Old English for ‘fried beans’, Benes yfryed involved boiling fava beans until they were soft, then sauteeing them with garlic, onions, and powder-douce (spice mix). Royal or more affluent households would often have this with pork chops and gravy, while the poor would have it as their main meal.
This is an easy and inexpensive meal to recreate today, and by customising it with your favourite beans and spices, it could be a great side dish!
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Apple Muse
An extremely popular medieval dessert. Apple Muse was available to almost anyone thanks to its highly accessible core ingredients – apple, almond milk, and honey. There were numerous variations of this dessert, as it can be made thick or runny and the sweetness can be adjusted based on your personal preference. If you like apple sauce, you’ll likely enjoy this dessert.
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Kishkiyya
Hangovers aren’t new and even those in medieval times suffered the next day. One hangover cure that was often used back then was Kishkiyya. This stew was made with fatty lamb, chickpeas, verjuice (sour grape juice), herbs, and kishk (dried strained yoghurt). Whether or not these complex flavours help with a hangover is debatable, but with a high fat and water content, it’s certainly worth a try if you’re looking for something different yet authentic.
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Cabbage Pottage
Thanks to its cheap, simple, and nutritious ingredients, this was a staple food for anyone during the medieval period, especially during the cold winter months. This cabbage soup, made with cabbage and bone broth, couldn’t be quicker or easier to make, and with some modern day additions like cooked barley, it makes for a delightful winter lunch.
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Stuffed Eggs
Similar to deviled eggs, stuffed eggs were popular in Italy during the 1300s. Eggs were boiled then halved and stuffed with ingredients such as cheese, saffron, and cloves, then fried and served with verjuice. Since you can stuff them with almost anything you like, this is a great recipe to experiment with.
Notable Medieval Drinks
It wouldn’t be a great meal without a nice drink to wash it down with. Back then alcoholic beverages were the drink of choice. With beer, wine, cider, and mead (honey wine) being some of the most popular. Whether you opt for some traditional mead from Raven Forge, a bold wine, or a tempting ale, these meals pair perfectly with a wide range of beverages.
Which Medieval Dish Will You Try?
From fried beans to cabbage soup, these medieval dishes are ideal for any evening meal or dessert. So whether you’re hosting a medieval themed dinner party or simply want to try something new, these meals are certainly worth your time.
