For Defending the Gate in 2023 and 2024, Jasper and Helena created two lunches and two feasts themed around the siege of the city of Otranto in Apullia, Italy in 1480-81.
Lunch
The theme of our lunches is always soldiers fare – food that can be eaten on the go and is simple, unfussy but also maybe a little more delicious than your average soldiers rations. The centerpiece for lunch both years was this chickpea soup, based on the rations of dried chickpeas carried by Spanish soldiers in the 15th century.
Feasts
Recipes will be forthcoming for all dishes, but in the meantime, here are the menus…