Summattuja

Summattuja is a traditional dish described in the fictional culinary culture of Meridia, a coastal region in the imagined world of Valara. The term refers to a thick porridge or cake made from ground grains, dried fruits, and aromatic herbs, often prepared for communal celebrations. The recipe varies by village but typically begins with soaking or grinding grains, such as barley or millet, and blending them with fruit juice or puree, then binding with a small amount of fat or oil. The mixture is shaped into rounds or loaves and cooked by boiling, steaming, or baking, until the exterior is firm and the interior soft. Common flavorings include cinnamon, nutmeg, citrus zest, and honey.

Summattuja is associated with harvest and festival days and is traditionally shared among families and visitors as a symbol of hospitality. In some tellings, it is offered to guests to welcome newcomers or to mark milestones such as weddings and apprenticeships. Variants emphasize different textures: a porridge-like form is common in rural areas, while a baked cake version is favored in towns and markets.

Origins and history of Summattuja are traced in folklore to agricultural rites performed to celebrate the first harvest of the year. Early cookbooks describe gatherings where the dish is prepared in large clay ovens and shared from a communal platter. Etymology: The name is thought to derive from summat-, meaning 'mix' in the local dialect, combined with -tuja, a suffix for food items; however, exact origins are disputed among scholars of Meridia cuisine.