Warcraft and food may seem like two distant and unrelated subjects, but cooking is art. Every artist needs inspiration, and for today’s article, mine came from this game. Real-time cooking and preparing a recipe from your favorite video game can be really fun and inspiring. So, for all of you out there who love to sit and throw down a few rounds of Warcraft, I have prepared a list of meals reflecting each of the main races shown in the game. Keep in mind that these are not recipes from the game, so Beer Basted Boar Ribs are not among them. Below is my list of five recipes inspired by the main races found in this game:

For Humans: Roe Deer

Originating from 14th century France, this meal seems like something that would be served at a Paladins of the Silver Hand gathering. The central location where Humans are based  in the game is in Medieval Europe, so this meal was chosen accordingly. It is quite easy and quite tasty to make. What You’ll Need:

2 pounds of venison steak (or any steak that is your favorite) 2 cups of almond milk Ground cloves of minced garlic ½ tsp of cinnamon ½ tsp of ginger Butter

Instructions: This meal is best served with matured Red Burgundy or Pinot Noirs, especially those originating from New Zealand or Australia. As Human Knights from Warcraft would say: “For the king!”

For Night Elves: Imam Bayildi

This meal is derived from Turkish cuisine. Translated, Imam Bayildi means “Imam (a Muslim priest) fainted. My guess is that its name comes from its great taste. The reason I have chosen this one, in particular, is because I have always imagined Elves as very sophisticated, proud, and dignified people. I think that their diet is based primarily on vegetables, which is another reason why I have chosen a vegetarian option as the second on this list. What You’ll Need:

4 medium-sized eggplants 14 oz. of onion 4 cloves of garlic Parsley 1 pound of tomatoes 4 teaspoons of oil 1-2 teaspoons of crushed almonds Laurel Salt, pepper and a bit of sugar

Instructions: As Elves would say: “Ash Karath!”

For Orcs: Southwestern Spiced Pork Tenderloin

If by chance Thrall and Grom Hellscream happen to be your favorite chieftains, then this meal is appropriate for you. It is strong, spicy, and rich in calories – everything needed for the strong Orcish Grunt. I have never thought about the Orcs as ones who care about aesthetics, so I consider their meals to be simple, but rich in fats and protein. What You’ll Need:

2 pounds of pork tenderloin 1-2 tsp of chili powder 1 tsp of smoked paprika 1 tsp of cumin 2 tsp of salt 2 tsp of cinnamon 1 ½ tsp of freshly ground pepper 1 tsp of oil

Instructions: In the words of an Orcish warrior: “Bring it on!”

For the Undead: Steak Tartare

Since the Scourge and all other creatures belonging to this category roughly named “Undead” revolve around the theme of death, decomposing and dead bodies, the meal had to feel both dead and alive. Think about it, you have never seen a Ghoul baking or cooking something, have you? Therefore, the recipe had to include raw meat. French Steak Tartare fit the theme perfectly. What You’ll Need:

2 x 6oz beef steaks 2 egg yolks 1 lemon juice 3½ fl oz olive oil 1 tsp of Worcestershire sauce 2 pickles, very finely chopped salt and black pepper 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 red onion, very finely chopped 2 salted anchovy fillets, rinsed, drained, finely chopped

Instructions: Since this meal does not include any cooking, you have to be extremely cautious about where you are buying the meat. The Undead may be immune to a whole plethora of diseases, but you are not. To quote Arthas, the human paladin prince who got turned to an Undead Lord: “Ah! At last.”

For Nagas: Paella Valencia

I’ll admit it, I have always been a devout fan of Illidan Stormrage. Since he is a Night Elf (kind of), I had to include something for the race he commands over, the Naga. The few missions during the single player campaign were my favorite, and I fell in love with these earth and sea dwellers. Since they have a dual nature, the meal had to be appropriate to that duality. Paella, which includes seafood, plants, grains, and more represents Nagas the best. What You’ll Need:

1 tsp of olive oil 3/4 pound of peeled shrimp 3/4 tsp of salt, divided 1/4 tsp of black pepper 2 of Spanish chorizo sausage 2 skinless, boneless chicken thighs 1 cup of chopped onion 3 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 cup of chopped tomato 1 tsp of capers, drained 1/4 tsp of saffron threads, crushed 1 cup of short-grain rice 2/3 cup white wine 1 can of fat-free chicken broth 1/2 cup of frozen green peas 1/4 cup of water 18 mussels 2 1/2 tsp of red bell pepper 2 tsp of chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions: To quote Naga Siren, the four-hand hero of this race: ”I am hooked.” I believe that you will be hooked to this meal as well.

Serve a true Warcraft meal on your table tonight!

Featured photo credit: Peter Pham via flickr.com

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