Tasting Session: Part Two
Next up is Gapao Rice.
It was served in a half portion again.
Since halving the sunny-side-up egg wasn't practical, we placed a whole egg on top, amusingly covering the rice and meat completely.
"What is this? Beneath the egg, there's minced meat, it seems.”
Crown Prince Raymond curiously lifted the egg to examine what lay beneath.
"This is a dish called Gapao Rice. Minced vegetables and ground meat are stir-fried and placed on top of Idika rice, then topped with a half-cooked sunny-side-up egg."
"… It sounds delicious just hearing about it."
Crown Prince Raymond, his eyes full of anticipation, picked up a spoon without taking his gaze off the Gapao Rice.
That was the signal for everyone else to grab their spoons and start eating in earnest.
"Mmm! This is…"
"This dish is best when the egg, minced meat, and Idika rice are eaten together. Compared to the fried rice earlier, this seems even more fragrant…"
Otousama and Oniisama quickly voiced their impressions.
As expected from family familiar with our cooking, they perfectly understood the optimal flavor combination achieved by mixing everything in their mouths.
"Yes, this combines herbs like basil, which our household often uses, and a recently developed seasoning, doubanjiang, to create a unique flavor that I hope you'll enjoy."
Otousama and Oniisama, nodding in understanding at my explanation, soon finished their servings.
Despite its distinct aroma, which I thought might divide opinions, everyone devoured it in no time.
Wait, isn't everyone eating a bit too fast?
While I was worrying whether the next dish, pho, would be ready in time, another plate of fried rice was brought out.
"Huh? Fried rice again?"
I was puzzled by the second serving of fried rice, which wasn't on the schedule.
The Head Chef entered the dining hall to explain.
"Excuse me. I was told by Cristea-sama that using the same ingredients as Gapao Rice for fried rice turns it into a dish called Nasi Goreng, so I created a trial version. Please give it a taste."
Wow…! The Head Chef is incredible for picking up on my offhand remark and whipping up another dish!
Since I was already quite full from the earlier tasting, I only had tea, but a smaller portion was served to me as well for scoring.
"Well, then, I'll try it."
Scooping up a spoonful of Nasi Goreng, I took a bite.
Oh? Ohhh—!
This is quite good, isn't it?
For something made from a casual suggestion, it's excellent. The head chef really is amazing!
"It's delicious. As expected of you, Head Chef."
"It’s all thanks to your insightful suggestion, Cristea-sama."
The Head Chef, beaming with pride, returned to the kitchen.
Yes, it was delicious.
If there's one regret, it's that we didn't have sweet chili sauce.
Actually, I only introduced Nasi Goreng alongside Gapao Rice because we didn’t have sweet chili sauce.
With sweet chili sauce, Nasi Goreng could have a delightful flavor twist.
How could I make sweet chili sauce?
Maybe I’ll ask Prince Kaldor later if Samonar has any similar condiments.
As I pondered this, I noticed Tika-san looking at me with a desperate expression as if to say, "I didn’t get to eat that!"
Sorry! It was an impromptu creation from the Head Chef, so I just found out about it too.
I’ll make sure you get some later.
"If Gapao Rice is delicious, then Nasi Goreng, made with the same ingredients, is equally so. It seems fried rice can change drastically depending on the ingredients.”
Prince Kaldor said with a delighted smile, gazing at his empty plate.
Feeding a hungry population with something not just filling but delicious must indeed be gratifying.
Seeing them so happy makes me feel like sharing the recipe was worth it.
… Though, with Crown Prince Raymond of the Doristan Kingdom present, some diplomatic implications are bound to arise. My apologies for that.
My stance will be: "I offer the recipe as a gesture of goodwill. However, please keep it a secret that I provided it, and I’d appreciate any preferential treatment for Idika rice and spices."
I’ll also ask Otousama to resolve the previous diplomatic issue caused by the poor hospitality with this as a settlement.
While lost in thought, I noticed that the pho was ready.
"The next dish will be served."
Small bowls of steaming pho were brought to each seat.
"… Noodles!? Idika can be made into noodles?"
Otousama exclaimed, looking at me in surprise.
"Yes. I've been experimenting with using Lars as a flour substitute for some time. I applied that method to Idika, grinding it into powder."
"Grinding it into flour… This will have ramifications not only between nations but also between territories."
"Indeed. While it will drastically increase the value of territories that could only grow Lars, once considered mere fodder, it may devastate others."
"Miss Cristea… Who exactly are you? Developing flour production methods is too much talent!"
Wait, what?!
Between nations? Territory value?!
I wasn’t thinking about any of that!
I just wanted to eat delicious food!
Why does cooking something tasty always turn into such a big deal?!
What do you think about this chapter?
