Experiment No.2
If we can’t make the classic mapo tofu, how about mapo eggplant? … No, wait, we didn’t grow much eggplant in our territory, so the stock in my inventory is limited—let’s not!
Hoisin pork... That also uses tianmianjiang (sweet bean sauce). I could substitute with miso, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.
But since the curry croquettes are greasy, something lighter might be better.
"Alright, I'll go with that."
Once I decided on the menu, my body moved naturally.
I took cucumbers, green onions, ginger, garlic, lettuce, tomatoes, and Cockatrice breast meat from the cold storage.
I sliced open the breast meat to even out the thickness, then boiled it with the green parts of the onions and ginger.
Meanwhile, I julienned the cucumber, finely chopped the white part of the onion and ginger, and grated the garlic.
I tore the lettuce into appropriately sized pieces, and the tomatoes... I’ll cut them into wedges just before plating.
Next, I made the sauce.
I mixed ground sesame, sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, miso, doubanjiang, and garlic together.
Ah, if only I had sesame paste, it would be easier.
But I have to be thankful we finally got sesame oil from Bastea Company recently.
After mixing well, I added the chopped green onions and gave it a quick stir—the sauce was done.
Byakko-sama, Kurogane, and Mashiro shredded the boiled Cockatrice breast for me.
It’s amazing how they can handle it even when it’s hot.
I cut the skin they peeled into pieces about the same size as the meat and mixed them together.
If you don’t mix it, the skin will stick together, so be careful.
I laid the julienned cucumber and torn lettuce on a plate, placed the shredded Cockatrice on top, garnished it with the tomato wedges, and drizzled the sauce over everything.
"Alright, Cockatrice Bang Bang Chicken is done!"
Now for the taste test... Oops, before that, I need to make soup from the boiling liquid.
In my previous life, whenever I boiled chicken breast, the soup was always a set.
Nutrients that help with recovery from fatigue dissolve into the broth, so I don’t want to waste it.
The messengers will be probably tired from their sea voyage, so this should be perfect.
This time, I’ll keep it simple with salt, pepper, sesame oil, and soy sauce for seasoning, finishing with beaten eggs to make an egg drop soup.
It’s light, so it should be the perfect palate cleanser.
I ladled the soup into cups and handed them out to everyone.
"Alright, let’s try it!"
Each person took as much as they liked on their plates, and we began eating.
"Wow! It’s delicious!"
"Indeed, it’s light, yet the flavor is satisfying and easy to eat."
"Oh my, these vegetables with this sauce are quite tasty."
Mariel-chan, Sei, and Ruby enjoyed the balance of vegetables and meat... No, Ruby was mostly focused on the vegetables and seemed very pleased.
"Well, if I’m eating meat, I’d prefer something with more substance."
"Byakko, if you’re dissatisfied with my Lord’s cooking, you don’t have to eat it. I’ll eat your portion instead."
"Yeah, yeah! I’ll eat it, so Byakko doesn’t have to!"
"Ah, no, I was joking! The taste is, of course, delicious!"
Byakko-sama seemed displeased with the shredded meat but panicked to protect his portion when Kurogane and Mashiro tried to take it.
After checking everyone’s reactions, I took a bite myself.
...Yep, it’s undeniably delicious.
It’s light, but the rich sauce makes it easy to eat endlessly.
This way, you can eat plenty of vegetables too—perfect.
Then, the egg soup... Ahh... It’s so good.
It’s simple, but it resets your palate between bites of Bang Bang Chicken, making it delicious all over again.
Adding the beaten egg to the soup was a good choice. The gentle flavor warms me up from the inside.
"Oh, that’s right! Let’s change the flavor with this!"
Mariel-chan, as if she had a brilliant idea, took out a jar of my homemade mayonnaise from her inventory.
With a big smile, she scooped a large spoonful of mayonnaise, plopped it onto the sauce, and mixed it into the Bang Bang Chicken.
"Let’s give it a go! … Mmm, so yummy!"
Mariel-chan gave a thumbs up with sparkling eyes after chewing a bit.
Mariel-chan...
Well, Bang Bang Chicken can also be served with mayo sauce.
Adding a bit of it for a flavor change is probably a good idea.
But, I’ll need to remind her to use less when serving—too much is definitely overdoing it.
I contemplated the right amount while staring at the large dollop of mayonnaise Mariel-chan had used.
"Alright, next is..."
"Wa-wait, Cristea-san!"
"Hm? What is it?"
Mariel-chan stopped me.
"How about continuing the experiments tomorrow?"
"Yeah, even though it was just a small tasting, we did have dinner."
"Oh... That’s true."
Now that I think about it, I’m also quite full.
I must have gotten a little carried away, excited by all the different flavors I could create with spices.
Not good, not good.
"Then how about some tea? Feel like having some?"
"Uhh, sure. I could manage a cup of tea..."
"Sounds good. We can discuss today’s taste testing while drinking tea."
"Yes, let’s do that. Could you all wait in the lounge? Miria, could you help me with the tea?"
I called out to Miria and urged the others to move.
"Um, Cristea-sama? I can prepare and bring the tea..."
If I let tea master Miria handle it, we’ll definitely get to drink some delicious tea, but...
"This is also an experiment. If you end up liking it, I’ll have you prepare it next time, so I want you to learn how to make it."
"... Understood! As you wish."
I smiled at Miria, who responded with a serious expression, and started preparing the ingredients.
What do you think about this chapter?
