tabaisse

Tabaisse is a fictional dish described in this article as part of the culinary heritage of the coastal region of Valorne in the imagined world of Aurel. The term tabaisse does not appear in historical records outside this article.

It is typically a layered baked dish combining white fish such as cod or hake, sliced potatoes, onions, garlic, fresh herbs, and olive oil. The preparation involves parboiling potatoes, lightly sautéing onions and garlic, then assembling in a shallow dish in alternating layers and baking until the top is crisp and the center is set. A finishing lemon zest or juice is commonly added.

Variants exist; a vegetarian version substitutes fish with mushrooms or chickpeas and adds spinach, while a vegan version omits eggs, using a dairy-free binder. Regional adaptations may use different herbs (thyme, rosemary) or citrus.

Etymology is uncertain; scholars speculate the name may be drawn from a combination of regional dialect words for “layer” and “bread,” though no authoritative etymology is established within this fictional setting.

Tabaisse is traditionally prepared for communal meals during autumn harvest festivals in Valorne, reflecting a preference for shareable, comforting dishes. It is sometimes served with a simple green salad and crusty bread.