Thousand Tastes of Duskwood

The dishes of Duskwood are as diverse as the population of the country itself, ranging from spicy soups and vegetarian stews to sweet, elaborate desserts. One of the central dishes found in all regions of the country is "Aljeshka." This highly specific dish is prepared in thousands of variations and is rarely cooked the same way by two chefs.

What is Aljeshka?

Aljeshka is considered a staple food in Duskwood and is consumed by the poorest farmers as well as at extravagant aristocratic banquets. The ingredients for the dish are easily obtainable and locally grown but can be combined with spices and exotic ingredients to create a unique version of the dish.

The greatest advantage of this versatile dish is its excellent suitability for using leftovers, providing strength and warmth, particularly during the cold autumn and winter months.

Some foreigners mistakenly consider Aljeshka a side dish. This is not the case! The dish can either be served instead of soup or as a full main course, depending on the selected ingredients.

Basic Ingredients

While the exact composition of a specific Aljeshka dish is not shared, there are certain ingredients that are present in every variation:

• Children's Fright
• Throat Fire
• Lantern Fruit
• Blood Fruit Puree
• Cooked Sun Balls

Meat can be added to the dish optionally if available and affordable. The type of meat used depends on the region and the prosperity of the family. In Ravenspire, beef is commonly used, while in the coastal regions, fish is preferred. Pigs are more common around the Veilwood Enclave, and squirrel or rabbit is frequently used while traveling.

Other popular additions include various vegetables such as Wildroot or Maiden's Blush, a mixture of different types of meat, as well as spices and herbs. One of the most beloved herbs for a good Aljeshka is definitely Ruffleleaf.

Preparation

Aljeshka is cooked in a cauldron, but a pot large enough to hold all the ingredients will suffice in case of need. Due to the long cooking time, make sure that the cooking spot will not be required for the next few hours.

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

First, the ingredients for the dish need to be prepared. For this purpose, a wooden spoonful of preferred fat is added to the cauldron, but it should not be placed over the fire just yet. The heat of the kitchen will soften the fat and significantly expedite the following processes.

The Sun Balls need to be taken out of the jar and carefully tapped dry with a towel. The blood fruit puree should be seasoned and, if desired, sweetened. Any desired herbs should be finely chopped and added to the puree.

The Children's Fright is sliced into thin strips and mixed with the desired amount of Throat Fire. If using meat, it should be seasoned and rubbed with Throat Fire.

Lantern Fruits should be pitted and cut into pieces no larger than a fingertip. Other vegetables should be sliced and prepared in the usual manner.

Step 2: Searing the Ingredients

In the next step, the cauldron is placed on the edge of the cooking spot and left until the fat is completely melted and starts to bubble. However, be careful not to apply too much heat under the cauldron just yet!

Once the fat is hot, the cauldron is placed fully on the cooking spot, and the meat, Children's Fright, lantern fruits, and other vegetables except for the Blood Fruit Puree and the Sun Balls are added. Everything is seared for about 5 minutes until the meat takes on an appetizing color.

The seared mixture is then deglazed with water, broth, or wine to taste. A good alternative here is grape juice or even beer. The blood fruit puree mixed with the spices is added, and everything is thoroughly combined until a slightly thin mixture is achieved.

This mixture should now cook on high heat for about 15 minutes before adding the Sun Balls and reducing the heat. The cauldron is then covered, and the heat is reduced to the lowest possible flame. The dish should simmer and reduce for several hours.

Step 3: Serving

The dish is ready when it reaches a thick consistency. It can be served either individually or with a hand-loaf of bread.

OGL

Primary Related Location

Duskwood