Feasting Like a Roman: A Roast Pig Fit for Trimalchio's Feast

🐷Ancient Roman feasts were known for their extravagant and decadent dishes, such as the roast pig stuffed with honey and tracta.

🍷Food was an important status symbol in ancient Rome, and Trimalchio, a fictional character, was notorious for his extravagant displays of wealth through lavish feasts.

🥘The stuffing for the roast pig consisted of pepper, honey, wine, and tracta (dried dough). The unique combination of flavors created a peppery and sweet taste.

🔥The roast pig was cooked slowly in the oven until it reached the desired temperature. The result was moist and tender pork with a crispy skin.

🌟Recreating ancient Roman dishes allows us to experience the flavors and traditions of a bygone era and offers insight into the culinary culture of the time.

Who was Trimalchio?

—Trimalchio was a fictional character from the Satyricon, a literary work by Gaius Petronius. He was a former slave who became extraordinarily wealthy and notorious for his extravagant feasts.

What is tracta?

—Tracta is a type of dried dough made from groats, flour, and water. It was used as an ingredient in ancient Roman recipes, including the stuffing for the roast pig.

What made the roast pig flavorful?

—The roast pig was stuffed with a mixture of pepper, honey, wine, and tracta. This combination of flavors created a unique and delicious taste.

How was the roast pig cooked?

—The roast pig was cooked slowly in the oven until it reached the desired temperature. This method ensured that the pork was moist and tender, while the skin became crispy.

Why is it important to recreate ancient Roman dishes?

—Recreating ancient Roman dishes allows us to explore the culinary traditions of the time and gain a deeper understanding of the food culture and tastes of ancient Rome.

00:00Introduction to the episode and the concept of recreating an ancient Roman feast.

05:43Discussion of the Satyricon, a literary work featuring Trimalchio and his extravagant feast.

11:15Exploration of the dishes served at Trimalchio's feast, including the 12 zodiac-themed platter.

13:08Presentation of the roasted pig and taste test of the stuffing and pork.

15:27Quote from Macrobius about disgusting foods mentioned in ancient Roman literature.

15:57Announcement of next week's dessert recipe: placenta, an early Roman cheesecake.