Friday Feast | Soup for a Fae Warrior
Welcome to Friday Feast in the tavern!
Did you know that several of my Fae warriors are vegetarians? Even Dragon Knight, Alastair MacKay did not eat meat. Most of these warriors honored the land, including the animals. They refrained from eating meat, fowl, or fish.
In preparing for a recent meal, I considered a soup these warriors would enjoy, specifically Conn MacRoich from Quest of a Warrior. This watercress soup is packed with nutrients, hearty, and will satisfy any Fenian Warrior or Dragon Knight, and the watercress can be obtained from nearby streams in Ireland.
Let’s take a peek at a scene between Conn and Ivy from Quest of a Warrior…
“Why don’t you take a break and eat some lunch with me.” Ivy moved to the table and removed the food from the bag. “Could you grab a couple of plates from the cupboard, please?”
“You brought lunch?”
His tone surprised Ivy. “Yes. You need to eat, too.”
She glanced up to find him staring at her. “Go clean up in the bathroom. Your face is covered in grime.”
He didn’t say a word as he exited the kitchen and returned a few minutes later, retrieving two plates for them. He sat down, and Ivy handed him a napkin.
“Thank you,” he replied softly. “What are you doing?”
Sadness filled her, but she quickly sealed off the emotion. “I’m writing a list for my uncle’s wake. I found his ashes sitting on a shelf in the Glennamore section of the store. Something Sean Casey forgot to mention.” She gave a slight shudder. “Anyway, I have to scatter his remains across our lands. But first, I would like to have a proper send-off when I re-open the Celtic Knot.”
“Indeed. I believe he would be pleased.”
“Eat,” she said, pointing to his plate.
“Only if you join me. Your list can wait.”
Ivy let out a groan when she took the first bite. “Holy moly!” she exclaimed between mouthfuls. “It’s so much better than in America. The fish is so fresh and moist.” She continued to eat, the warmth of the food bringing a sense of peace within her. After wiping her mouth with a napkin, she noticed Conn hadn’t eaten. He sat staring at her, his intensity heating her face. “What? Food still on my face?”
He leaned forward. “Do you always eat with such pleasure?”
“I…um…well it’s go…od,” she sputtered, embarrassed by his question.
Chuckling softly, he stood. “Let me get you some water.”
Frustration seethed inside of her. “Why aren’t you eating?”
The man shrugged, bringing her a glass of water. “I’ll eat the chips but will pass on the fish.”
Realization dawned on Ivy. “You’re a vegetarian?”
Conn nodded, reaching for a chip and sitting back down.
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I didn’t want to appear rude.”
Ivy gaped at the man, unable to say anything else.
When the first drop of water landed on his head, Conn narrowed his eyes and glanced upward. “Eat your meal quickly, Ivy, for I fear the roof is next on my list for this afternoon.”
Watercress Fae Soup
Ingredients
1-pound carrots, sliced
1 cup chopped watercress
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
2 onions, chopped
5 cups vegetable stock
1 ¼ cup heavy cream
1 cup sherry
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Place carrots, watercress, potatoes, onions, and vegetable stock into a large pot.
2. Cover and cook over medium for 30-45 minutes until vegetables are tender.
3. Puree soup with an immersion blender or in a blender until smooth.
4. Return soup to the pot and add the cream, sherry, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for 5 minutes more.
6. Serve with bread and/or rolls.
Sláinte!
