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Shomin no Aji - Chapter 609
🕑 Added 2024-08-06 06:34:49 +0000 UTCSpice indulgence.
After examining the received materials, I discovered that various spices were cultivated widely in the country, with different regions having unique ways of using them.
In my previous life, it was similar to how some regions favored curry, others loved mapo tofu, and for some, tom yum goong was a home-cooked staple. The consumption of spices varied accordingly.
"This is... it might be difficult to target a specific type.”
"That's true... but the envoy is coming from the Capital, right? If it's the Capital, they should be accustomed to most types of cuisine, unless it's something extremely regional.”
According to Mariel-chan, a city girl from the Capital of the Doristan Kingdom, there are regional dishes unique to each territory.
Adelia Academy also has students from distant territories who can't go home often, so there are shops and inns where they can enjoy the flavors of their hometowns.
These places are popular among travelers and merchants who journey extensively.
Wow, that sounds incredibly interesting!
Mariel-chan promised that she would take me there next time, and we continued our discussion.
"So, in the Capital of Samonar, it likely they would be open to various tastes, given that they can experience cuisine from all over the country.”
"I see."
Except for the rich, heavy dishes of the Doristan Kingdom, that is.
While I have a feeling that such dishes might be acceptable in colder regions, Samonar is located significantly further south, possibly resembling a tropical climate in my previous world.
The documents describing their culture included a section on clothing, showing light, airy garments suited for a hot climate.
Mariel-chan was intensely examining the drawings. "Low-slung harem pants with short tops... ex... uh, I mean, ahem," she murmured, catching her breath and then taking a deep breath to calm herself.
Next to her, Ruby commented cheerfully, "Oh my, such suggestive attire. I like it!"
"Anyway, it seems that due to the hot climate, their spicy dishes aim to induce sweating and cool the body."
"I always thought spices were for warming the body, but in hot countries, they're aiming for a further cooling effect, huh."
"Exactly. So, while the cooking methods may vary, they undoubtedly love spices."
Given that the envoy from Samonar might have regional preferences, it might be best to avoid strictly regional dishes.
Instead, I could try a mix of various spice-heavy dishes from my past life.
"Alright, then I'll start experimenting with spice blends!"
I left the dinner preparations to the others, with Miria supervising, and hurried to my room.
"Cristea, everything's ready~"
Masiro called out, snapping me out of my concentration.
"Huh? Oh, what? It's already this late!? Sorry, I'll come down and help."
"No, it's fine. We finished everything. You must be hungry, right? Everyone's waiting, so let's eat."
"Finished? You mean you all cooked everything?"
"Yeah. We knew you were busy, so we did our best to handle it ourselves.”
So, praise me? Mashiro smiled.
"Thank you, Mashiro... everyone. Let's head down!"
"Yeah! Let's go! I'm starving!"
“Ahaha, then we have to hury!”
Laughing, we headed to the dining hall with light steps.
Tonight's dinner was our usual miso soup with grilled orc meat marinated in miso, accompanied by shredded cabbage (with mayonnaise on the side).
The cabbage and mayonnaise were all-you-can-eat.
Oh, right, I had prepared the orc meat for marinating in advance and stored it in the fridge.
Miria laughed, saying that everything was fine without me because I had prepared in advance.
Everyone smiled proudly, so I thanked them and ate a lot, piling my plate high with food.
The dinner they worked hard to make was delicious!
After dinner, we all cleaned up and then moved to the lounge.
"I've mixed several spices for testing."
I laid out the pre-mixed spices and individual ground spices in jars for easy addition.
"This is curry powder. It can be used to make curry or as a seasoning for other dishes."
I tried to replicate the blend of a popular red-canned curry powder from my previous life.
Since many of the ingredients are also used in medicinal herbs, this blend would be quite expensive, making it unsuitable for the market.
If nobles became obsessed with curry, it could lead to shortages or price hikes in medicinal herbs.
Thus, this dish was decided to be an exclusive menu item for the Ellisfeed family.
"I also made garam masala."
This is for those who find the curry powder not spicy enough.
I enjoy adding it to my food.
When I gave some to Crown Prince Raymond in the past, I had made an even spicier version. Haha.
"This is a mock version of doubanjiang."
The jar contained a bright red paste that looked extremely spicy.
Authentic doubanjiang requires 4-6 months of fermentation, but since we don't have that time, I made a quick version by mixing soy sauce, miso, sesame oil, garlic, and chili.
I wished I had red miso to make a mock version of tianmianjiang.
I'll have to ask Sei if they have red miso in Yahatul.
"And this is harissa."
A spicy chili sauce used in Tunisian cuisine, I think?
In my previous life, I once got hooked on harissa hot pot and tried making it myself.
Based on vague memories, I think I did a decent job recreating it.
Since no one here knows the original, this version will be the only harissa in this world. Yep.
"And this is Cajun seasoning."
It's used in Cajun cuisine from Louisiana, USA.
Even within the same mixed spice, if you use tomatoes or change the ingredients of the roux, it becomes Creole cuisine. Fascinating, right?
"Wow... amazing! So many varieties!"
"This is impressive... though some of these look really spicy."
"Whoa, that's quite a smell! But it looks like it would taste amazing with meat... (gulp)."
Seeing everyone's varied reactions, I realized the importance of considering their preferences when planning the menu.
"I'll be experimenting with these spices for the trial dishes, so please help with cooking and tasting!"
Everyone responded in unison, "Sure thing (Yes!)!"
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