This obsession all started a couple of years ago when a certain coworker had suggested I watch this show. And thank you Mr. Coworker because it's definitely one of my favorites. But of course, he shall remain nameless as to not feed his ego more than I already have. But you know who you are.
Besides the obvious distraction of Jon Snow and his gorgeously emo self, was the interesting food they ate on the show. I know this is supposed to be loosely based on medieval times and I know things were... different in those days, but a horse heart? Come on Daenerys, eating a heart? Show him you care by throwing on that outfit he likes(your best animal skin, of course) and cook his favorite meal over the hot fire, sharpen his sword for him, learn his language, which you did, you go girl. Among other things, lots of rabbit, venison, and lamb. All pretty normal now that I think about it, but nothing I'm digging. I'm actually quite sure that I probably either would have starved to death or would have become a diabetic mess based on some of the sweets they had- yum.
In celebration of the show coming back for the inevitably short season, lets make some Game of Thrones (inspired) food! First we will be traveling to Dorne to avoid the Sand Snakes at all costs and make some delicious naan bread. Since I think Dorne is looked at as the "Mediterranean" of Westeros, I'm going to add to the goodness by incorporating some za'atar- an herb been used throughout the Middle East made up of sumac, marjoram, thyme, basil, oregano, sesame seeds, and Himalayan pink salt- very delicious. Maybe some lemon? Chicken? I don't know, we'll make it good. So good that Ellaria will want to kiss you. But do not, I repeat, do not kiss her, you'll thank me later. Then we shall head north just a bit to King's Landing and make some Lemon cakes. Sansa's lemon cakes might be the most well known and searched for recipe based on my research. I'm a big fan of lemon, so I've got high hopes for these things.
Let get started!
Naan
-4 cups all purpose flour
-1/4 tsp salt
-1 1/2 tsp baking powder
-1 tsp baking soda
-1 tbs sugar
-1/4 warm water (100F)
-3/4 tsp active dry yeast
-3/4 cup warm milk
-1 cup Greek yogurt
-4 tbs melted butter (for brushing)
-1 tsp za'atar
1. Heat the water to an appropriate 100F and stir in the yeast and sugar. *Be careful the water is not too hot or it will kill the yeast. Also, be sure it's not too cold or the yeast will not activate. It's kind of a pest.* Set aside for 10 minutes until it gets foamy and smells like bread. **If the yeast doesn't activate, do not use it- throw it out and start again.**
2. In the bowl of your mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. Still in it's separate bowl, combine the yeast, milk, and yogurt.
4. With the mixer on low, carefully pour the wet into the dry and let the dough come together. You may have to scrape the sides down.
5. Let this knead for a few moments until the dough is together, sticky, and soft. Just before done kneading, add the za'atar. *This dough is a bit more wet than normal, knead for about five minutes on a low-medium speed, turn out and incorporate a handful or so of flour to bring it together, it will be very soft and very sticky.
6. Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and place in a warm dark place like the microwave or an off own with the light on for about an hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
7. When the dough is acceptable to you, pinch it down to release the air and sprinkle a bit of flour on your board so the dough doesn't stick. Cut into even pieces and roll out to about 1/4 inch thick, set aside.
7. When all of your dough has been rolled out, melt down some butter and put a skillet on medium heat- cast iron would work best. *For added fun, add some spices to your butter!*
8. Brush one side of the dough with the butter and place that side down on the hot pan. Cook for a few minutes until the dough is golden and crisp. While this side is cooking, brush the other side with the melted butter. Flip over and cook for can additional 1-2 minutes until it's golden.
9. Keep this process up until all your dough is cooked and you're good!
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| It's aliveeeeee! |
When I tell you this naan is heavenly, I don't think it comes close to describing how good it really is. It's so buttery and soft and crispy and flavorful. It's perfection, I can't even deal. This recipe is so versatile, obviously it's bread- you can do anything with it! What I particularly had an interest in is something I saw on the Food Network. It was an episode of Edan Eats and she had gone to this place where they made naan with this za'atar and olive oil mixture that was broiled. It looked amazing and I've wanted it ever since. That's a long time to want something! I mixed together the spices and olive oil, spread over the naan, put it in the oven, took a moment to look around and gather my inner Khaleesi, and with one strong look, I muttered, dracarys! That baby boiled up faster than Kraznys Mo Nakloz when he learned Daenerys knew Valyrian and stuck Drogon on him. Just a few minutes under the boiler is all this needs, be careful, splatters and it's molten lava. After it's done being hot enough to kill my mouth, I took a bite and oh my lord, it was soooo good, very flavorful! Another thing I'd try is maybe some lemon chicken on the grill with some veggies. Toss that in the naan and wrap it up. Or you could make a little flatbread pizza with it! Endless possibilities, knock yourself out!
Another recipe that I've been dying to try are Sansa's lemon cakes! There are a couple recipes I've seen floating around- a more traditional take and a more modern version. After looking them over, I went with the modern version. The traditional recipe sounds a bit more savory and I'm in the mood for sweet today, so sweet it is! I like to think that if I were plopped in Westeros, I'd be in the north- I'm quite sure that Maine would be considered Stark country. And I definitely wouldn't be able to grow lemons because you really can't grow citrus here naturally, much like Sansa in the north. Too bad there wasn't a grocery store around the corner, save her a lot of trouble. She might not be the most loved character, but the girl has good taste in desserts. Terrible taste in men, but that's besides the point.
Lemon Cakes
-1 3/4 sticks butter
-2 cups sugar
-2 tbs lemon zest
-2 eggs
-3 cups flour
-1/2 tsp baking powder
-1/2 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp cardamom
-2 tbs lemon juice
-1 cup milk
-2 Lemons
Lemon Glaze
-Juice and zest of one lemon
-1/2 cup powdered sugar
Candied Lemons
-2-3 lemons
-1 cup sugar
-1 cup water
Cakes:
1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. In a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar.
3. Add the eggs, zest, and cardamom.
4. Once incorporated, slowly add the flour, salt, and baking powder. Scrape the sides along the way.
5. Carefully add the milk and lemon juice. *Add slowly because it will fly everywhere... don't ask me how I know.
6. Spray some muffin tins with non stick spray and fill 3/4 full.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes- check at 20. Every oven is different, the recipe calls for 15 minutes, but my cakes were still liquid at that point. Stick a cake tester or toothpick in and make sure it comes out clean and you're good!
8. Let the cakes cool in the tins for a few minutes then turn them out onto a wire rack.
9. Dip the tops in the lemon glaze and let cool.
10. An optional step would be to candy some lemon slices for a little extra cuteness. lace these on top of each cake.
Glaze:
1. Zest and juice the lemon.
2. Add the sugar to the juice and zest.
3. Mix well to get out any lumps. Adjust sugar/juice amount if you need it thicker or thinner.
Candied Lemons:
1. Bring the water and sugar to a boil.
2. Slice lemons thinly and let boil in the sugar/water mixture until translucent and soft. This should only take a few minutes. Careful they don't all rip apart like a lot of mine did, not cute.
3. Let cool on a paper towel and place on the cakes when ready.
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| Who doesn't love a ton of butter?! |
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| Candied lemons. |
Looking at those I can see why she likes them so much!
No matter where you are in Westeros, you have some good eats I'm sure. These are just a couple of Game of Thrones recipes, there are so many more- next I may try the dire wolf bread Hotpie made or a Pigeon Pie! Maybe I'll wait on that last one. I do happen to own a Game of Thrones cook book, we'll see what else I can dig up that may taste quite yummy.
Until then, I hope your favorite character doesn't die!
Meaghan
