Spoki

Overview

A Spoki is a traditional cooking method originating from the mountains of Kelsia where food is slow-cooked underground, using spring-heated stones surrounded in boiling water, and an iron or copper pot.

The stones are usually in a small pit, and the round pot, or the Spoki, is placed in it and covered with a large flat stone, wet clay, or a copper lid. When cooking with a Spoki, cured meats are usually covered in salt, herbs and spices, wrapped in Sirka Plant leaves or a large thin cloth, and then placed in the pit. The water around the stones allows the previously dried, hard meat to soften and become easy to eat.

When a Bojok Berry is covered in sap, left to dry and than placed in the Spoki with other Bojok Berry they can be cooked until dark brown, broken out of their sap shell, tossed in sugar, and eaten.

Culture & History

The Spoki is a popular cooking method that originated from the Kosmiks of Kelsia. It is found to be used in the Astiki festival, as a method of cooking Bojok Berry. While its invention date is unknown it is known that it originated before the Kelsi Civil War. In the decades following the war, the Spoki became a symbol of resistance among the Kosmiks, particularly in the mountains, where traditions had to be done in secret. While its use declined in urban areas, recent years have seen them more during festivals and family gatherings.