Ciliata Stew ('sIl-e a:'ta)

A bland and slightly sour stew made from the ciliata vegetables grown in the rich but dry soil of Vacío Sagrado by those living in Sarug Keep.

The population of Sarug Keep primarily survives on the crops of Eacharis Ciliata that they grow in small crops or improvised gardens within the city walls. Each plant can produce six-to-eight vegetables every season and can be planted in the same soil without losing tiring the soil. Roughly the size of an average potato and similar in appearance save for the deep crimson skin that can be eaten or be removed depending on how it will be prepared. Much like the volsuni themselves, when propogated and raised in the strange environment of Vacío Sagrado they have an enhanced growth speed that allows for an almost constant harvest if planted appropriately in advance.

In a region that has no existing ecosystem, this plant has allowed the people here to easily produce enough food and completely overcome one of the largest obstacles to survival in such an isolated and barren region. One of the few systems of commerce that survived the transplantation of the populus is the exchange and barter for spices from Allegri. Since ciliata are tough and don't taste good, anything that can be used to improve the flavour of the stew is highly sought after. Other ingredients include anything sweet that will help balance the naturally sour taste of the base plant. Sugar, honey, or even some kinds of sweet fruits like berries are frequently boiled into the stew.

Since resources are commonly scarce to residents of Vacío Sagrado each batch of stew has a slightly different flavour but over the course of years some cooks have learned tricks to making it more palatable. Many volsuni children have transitioned from mothers' milk directly to ciliata stew and have never eaten much else their entire lives since they simply don't have access to the normal cuisine options common among Allegrans.