Dining like royalty is a concept that has captivated imaginations for centuries. From historical feasts of kings like Henry VIII to modern interpretations inspired by royal figures and events, the idea of a "meal fit for a king" spans across eras and cultures. This article explores various culinary inspirations, offering a glimpse into the diets and dishes associated with royalty, as well as ideas for creating your own regal dining experience.
Tudor Era: A King's Feast
During the Tudor period, the diet of the average family starkly contrasted with that of King Henry VIII. While commoners subsisted on simple stews of vegetables, grains, and bacon, Henry VIII enjoyed a lavish buffet of at least 13 freshly cooked dishes at every meal.
Henry VIII's Culinary Preferences
The king had a penchant for venison and pies filled with oranges, showcasing a love for both savory and sweet flavors. Another favorite was an early version of beef olives, known as Aloes. Fruit also held a special place in Henry's diet, with cherries and strawberries being enjoyed raw. Other fruits like apples, pears, and plums were typically cooked in pies, tarts, jellies, or preserves. Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, were considered delicacies due to their high import costs.
Royal Kitchen and Recipes
While the majority of the food at court was prepared in the main kitchens, the King’s food was prepared by his personal chef, a Frenchman called Pero Doux. One of the king's particular favorites was jelly made with hippocras.
Hippocras Jelly Recipe (circa 1591):
- 300 ml water
- 100 g sugar
- ¼ tsp each of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, mace
- Pinch of salt
- Claret
- Gelatin
- Lightly bruise the spices and gently simmer with the salt in 300 ml water for 10 mins.
- Pour claret into a pan, stir in the gelatin and leave to soak for 10 mins.
- Strain the spiced water through a fine cloth (or coffee filter) into the pan, stir in the sugar and gelatin mixture and gently heat while stirring until fully dissolved.
Strawberries and Cream Recipe (circa 1545):
- Strawberries
- Wine
- Sugar
- Spices
- Cream
- Egg white
- Rosewater
- Mix the strawberries with the wine, sugar and spices and chill for 2-3 hours.
- Put strawberries in a dish and make up the cream.
- Whip cream and egg white separately.
- Fold whipped cream into the egg white and add sugar and rosewater GENTLY.
- Spoon cream onto strawberries and serve immediately.
Aloes (Beef Olives) Recipe (circa 1596):
- Beef steaks
- Mixed herbs
- Spices
- Fat, oil or butter
- Lightly beat the steaks out flat.
- Mix the ingredients for the filling, spread over the steaks, roll them up and secure them with either small skewers, thread or thin twine.
- Place in a tin and oven roast at 170°C/325° F/ gas mark 3 for about 30 minutes, basting with a little fat, oil or butter from time to time.
Tarte of Apples and Orange Peels Recipe (circa 1597):
- Oranges
- Apples
- Honey
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Butter
- Rosewater
- Take your oranges, and lay them in water a day and a night, then seethe them in fair water and honey.
- Let them seethe till they be soft.
- The let them soak in the syrup a day and a night.
- Then take them forth and cut them small, and then make your tart and season your apples with sugar, cinnamon and ginger, and put in a piece of butter.
- Lay a course of apples, and between the same course of apples, a course of oranges, and so course by course.
- And season your oranges as you seasoned your apples, with somewhat more sugar, then lay on the lid and put in the oven.
- When it is almost baked, take the rosewater and sugar, and boil them together till it be somewhat thick, then take out the tart.
Elvis Presley: The King of Rock 'n' Roll's Culinary Indulgences
Moving from Tudor royalty to the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley's culinary preferences offer a different perspective on "fit for a king" cuisine. Elvis was known for his love of Southern comfort food, often indulging in rich and decadent dishes.
Read also: Meal replacement guide for women
A Southern Feast
A meal often referred to as the "Southern Feast" was comprised of potato salad, cornbread, and crispy fried chicken.
Potato Salad Recipe:
- 2 pounds of small potatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 hardboiled eggs, chopped
- 1 cup diced celery
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 3 tbsp sweet pickle juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and cool.
- Evenly slice the potatoes and place them in a large salad bowl.
- Add the onion, eggs and celery.
- In a separate bowl blend the mayonnaise, mustard, pickle juice, salt and pepper.
- Toss the mayonnaise mixture into potatoes.
- Refrigerate about 3 hours.
Cornbread Recipe:
- 2 cups cornmeal
- 1 cup all -purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- Milk
- In a mixing bowl combine all of the dry ingredients.
- Add the eggs and enough milk to make a smooth batter.
- Pour the batter into a warm, well-greased bread pan.
- Bake at 425 degrees for about 25 mins or until golden brown.
Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe:
- 1 cup buttermilk pancake mix
- Salt to taste
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 2-pound fryer chicken, cut into serving pieces
- Oil
- In a mixing bowl combine the pancake mix with the salt and water.
- Blend ingredients.
- Fry the chicken pieces in oil until golden brown and crispy.
The Famous Fried Peanut Butter-and-Banana Sandwich
Perhaps one of Elvis's most iconic culinary associations is the fried peanut butter and banana sandwich.
Fried Peanut Butter-and-Banana Sandwich Recipe:
- 2 slices home-style white bread
- 4 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 medium banana thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp oil
- 4 slices of bacon
- 2 tbsp soft butter
- Spread peanut butter on both slices of bread.
- Cover 1 slice of bread with banana slices.
- Heat oil on medium-high heat in frying pan. Add bacon and cook until crisp.
- Remove and to a paper towel to drain and pour off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings from the pan.
- Layer the crisp bacon over the banana slices and top with the second bread slice, peanut butter side down, pressing lightly to seal.
- Butter the outside of each bread slice and carefully add to the frying pan.
- Fry for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is brown and crisp. Turn and fry for 2 minutes more, until the bananas and peanut butter are just beginning to soften.
- Remove to a cutting board and slice in half.
- Serve hot with a favorite relish.
Royal-Inspired Recipes and Celebratory Meals
Beyond specific royal diets, many recipes and dishes have been inspired by royalty or created in their honor. These dishes often carry a sense of elegance and sophistication, making them perfect for special occasions.
Royal Wedding Inspirations
With events like the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, there's been a resurgence of interest in royal-inspired recipes.
Dishes Named After Royalty
Several dishes are rumored to be named after royalty, or inspired by.
Read also: Low-Carb Meal Ideas
- Raspberry Charlotte: Some believe it was named after Queen Charlotte of the United Kingdom (1744-1818), others believe it was created by Russian Czar Alexander I’s French chef Marie Antoine Careme (1784-1833), and named after the Czar’s sister-in-law, Charlotte of Prussia.
- Queen Mothers Cake: Queen Elizabeth II’s mother, also named Elizabeth (1901-2002) was first introduced to this flourless cake by her Polish friend and renowned pianist Jan Smeterlin (1892-1967).
- Crab Louie: It is believed that this salad was named after the French King Louis XIV, or the “Sun King” (1638-1715) who was known for the large amounts of food he could eat.
- Bearnaise Sauce: The name of this classic French sauce is thought to have originated from the nickname of French King Henry IV (1553-1610), “le Grand Bearnais.”
Father's Day Feast: Making Dad King for a Day
Celebrating Father's Day by making the special man in your life "king for a day" is a wonderful way to honor him. This can involve grilling, salads, veggie sides and desserts.
Salad Recipes
- A wedge salad with blue cheese dressing
- Caesar salad
- A tomato salad
Vegetable Side Dishes
- Dishes similar to ratatouille
- Roasted okra
- Oven baked fries (can be made with sweet potatoes)
Dessert Recipes
- Chocolate Angel Pie
- Hazelnut meringue with whipped cream and strawberries
- Gluten-free chocolate cake
- Vegan chocolate pudding
- Coffee ice cream dessert
Creating Your Own Royal Feast
The concept of a "meal fit for a king" can be adapted to suit any occasion or personal preference. Whether drawing inspiration from historical royal diets, Elvis's comfort food favorites, or modern royal-inspired recipes, the key is to create a dining experience that feels special and indulgent.
Elevating Everyday Meals
Even simple, everyday meals can be elevated to a royal standard with a few thoughtful touches. Using high-quality ingredients, paying attention to presentation, and incorporating elements of luxury can transform an ordinary meal into a regal affair.
Themed Royal Dinners
Consider hosting themed royal dinners based on different historical periods or royal figures. This could involve researching the culinary preferences of a particular king or queen and creating a menu inspired by their tastes.
The Importance of Presentation
Presentation is key when creating a royal feast. Pay attention to the way the food is arranged on the plate, and use elegant serving dishes and linens. Adding decorative elements such as flowers or candles can further enhance the dining experience.
Read also: Vegan Diet for Bodybuilding