Hard Mush
Along with Barley, the other most commonly grown vegetable is "Hardroot", a starchy root vegetable that is tough as rock and hardy enough to grow even in the coldest parts of the The Ironstone Mountains. Hardroot can be prepared in various ways, including boiling, frying, or baking, but the most common and most efficient method is to boil and mash the root vegetable into a paste and add water, making a hearty porridge that is smooth and creamy.
It can be eaten immediately, when it tastes fresh and sweet, but it can also be left to ferment for a number of days, when it gets a more sour taste to it and thicker consistency. The "hard mush" can be found almost anywhere, but especially at breakfast time and to those with less money.
Significance
Hard mush is a symbol of daily life in Isturoth. It represents the way the Isturian people have adapted to the hard, cold environment of the moutnains and made it their own. Bowls of hard mush are given to miners, farmers, and other labourers, as it is cheap and easy, as well as containing many essential nutrients needed for a hard day's work.
Huge cauldrons of hard mush are prepared to feed the sick and the poor, often served with the other primary staple, Barley Bread.
Production
Once a suitable batch of hardroots have been gathered, they must be boiled for at least an hour to soften the rock-like flesh. Then the roots can be mashed up, usually with a stone pestle. Water is gradually added bit by bit until the desired consistency is achieved. It has an orange-yellow colour at this stage and a creamy texture. Different sugary syrups, vegetable oils or spices can be added, depending on the desired flavour. It has a natural sweetness that can be used to accompany sweet or savoury dishes. Often the hard mush can be set aside and fermented for a few days in a cold, dark place. A layer of syrup or oil is added to the surface to prevent it getting a hard crust. The colour deepends to a darker gold and the flavour changes from sweet to sour and the consistency thickens. At this stage, it can be dolloped with a spoon onto a plate with meats and vegetables, or eaten on its own with syrups added to balance the sour taste of the mush. Spoons and bowls must be washed soon after eating, as the remnants of the mush harden once more, making it a nightmare to clean off, and returning to their former "hard" state.Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
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