Urban Mushroom

The Urban Mushroom is a popular ingredient in the cuisine of Froturn, used as a cheaper substitute for edible mushrooms especially by urban people. It is essentially wheat gluten / seitan braided and knotted, then cooked in broth. It is a clever way for lower and middle-class citizens of Froturn to emulate the lifestyles and tastes of the wealthy without breaking the bank.

Preparation

 * 1) Ensure that the following ingredients are in possession:
 * 2) * 2 cups of wheat flour
 * 3) * 1 cup of water (for the dough)
 * 4) * A pot full of broth (mushroom broth is the most ideal one, but beef broth, chicken broth, even vegetable broth are acceptable)
 * 5) * Optional: salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other similar spices to taste
 * 6) In a large mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour and water. Mix well to form a dough.
 * 7) Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, developing a gluten.
 * 8) Fill a bowl full of water and wash the dough in it until no more starch can be washed out, transforming the dough into wheat gluten / seitan.
 * 9) Braid or plait the wheat gluten.
 * 10) Tie the braid or plait into knots.
 * 11) Bring a pot of broth to a boil, add the optional spices if using any, then drop the knotted seitan pieces into the pot.
 * 12) Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the seitan for about 30 minutes or until it becomes firm and chewy.
 * 13) Drain the cooked seitan and let it cool.
 * 14) Once cooled, the "Urban Mushrooms" can be sliced and added to soups, stews, or other dishes as a mushroom substitute.

History
Urban Mushrooms originate from the nobilization of the High Elves, during which a drastic increase in the standards of living resulted in the majority of plebians effectively living as comfortably as the patricians of the previous generation - this gradual, yet drastic change had implications to everything, such as standards of education (illiteracy was almost completely eliminated amongst High Elves), cuisine (pork and beer where phased out in favour of beef and wine). However, in many cases, it was simply impossible for the post-nobilization plebians to truly live the lives of the pre-nobilization patricians, and they (especially when living in a city) often had to contend with cheaper imitations, poor man's replacements: the so-called "Urban Mushrooms" are one such cheaper imitation, a cheap and readily available replacement for edible mushroom intended for the urban masses. This made it a must-have ingredient for all dishes that are intended to imitate the wealthier and more extravagrant cuisine of the upper classes, while still being affordable to the lower classes.

Due to the heavy Froturnish / High Elven influence following the foundation of the Kingdom of Etrand, the ingredient has spread to Etrand as well, first via the High Elven diaspora, then slowly embraced by the local Humans as well, especially by the aspiring middle-class merchants and their wives.