The simpler the dish, the more it tests the cook's skill in controlling the heat.
This was exactly the case with the dish Li Ying was about to cook, the stir - fried alfalfa shoots with wine.
The so - called "alfalfa shoots" are known as "alfalfa" in the north. It is mainly used as forage for cattle and horses, and most common people don't eat it.
However, this dish is a must - order seasonal vegetable in Shanghai cuisine. Especially after the cold spring frost, the alfalfa shoots taste more fragrant and glutinous.
Alfalfa shoots can clear internal heat, strengthen the spleen and stomach, and aid digestion. They are just right to neutralize the greasiness of the spring rolls filled with yellow croaker and shepherd's purse.
The washed alfalfa shoots were pre - seasoned with a thin layer of fine salt. High - quality clarified rapeseed oil was poured into the hot pan. When the oil was boiling hot, the alfalfa shoots were quickly poured in for stir - frying.
White wine and water were poured around the edge of the pan in a circular motion. The boiling heat of the pan steamed out all the aroma of the wine, which was then fully absorbed by the alfalfa shoots. Even before taking a bite, the dish was already full of the fragrance of wine.
The kalimeris indica was finely chopped and mixed with dried bean curd, spring bamboo shoots, and almonds. With each careful chew, it was full of the vibrant taste of spring, leaving an endless aftertaste.
As for the staple food, the early - blooming pagoda tree flowers were selected, mixed with wheat flour and eggs, and then made into thin fragrant pancakes.
The pagoda tree flowers were sweet and crispy. The faint floral fragrance filled the entire kitchen, adding a touch of elegance.
The remaining alfalfa shoots were mixed with fine glutinous rice flour and half - cooked rice flour, then kneaded into a smooth dough.
After dividing the dough into small pieces and rolling them into small cakes, they were fried in rapeseed oil until both sides were golden brown. These alfalfa cakes, with a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, green and attractive in appearance, crispy on the outside and glutinous on the inside, were ready to serve as the staple food.
Li Ying also selected water celery, shepherd's purse, spinach, crown daisy, kohlrabi, radish tops, and Chinese cabbage, chopped them up, and cooked a thick and fragrant seven - herb congee.
Each of these vegetables was good at nourishing the spleen and stomach and promoting digestion. The congee was cooked to a smooth consistency, with a fresh and appealing color that whetted people's appetites.
Finally, the blanched and drained Chinese toon sprouts were mixed with minced ginger, garlic slices, and chili powder.
Boiling hot rapeseed oil was poured over the toon sprouts. The pungent and slightly burnt aroma of the chili oil added a bold and unrestrained touch to this seasonal dish in spring, stimulating the taste buds and making it perfect to go with the congee.
All the snacks were neatly arranged on small white jade plates. Although they were not rare delicacies from the mountains and seas, they had a unique rustic charm.
The eldest princess carefully tasted each one. The more she tasted, the brighter the light in her eyes became.
She had thought that such simple and ordinary food would be difficult to swallow, but she never expected that Li Ying had such a magical skill to turn something ordinary into something extraordinary!
The stone in her heart finally fell to the ground. Just as she was smiling happily at Li Ying, a young eunuch's announcement came from outside the mansion of the eldest princess.
"His Majesty the Emperor has arrived!"
Li Ying summoned her spirits. Having calculated the time accurately, she calmly served up all the prepared dishes one by one.
The emperor glanced around at the dishes on the table and just slightly frowned. Obviously, he didn't seem to have much of an appetite.
But the eldest princess remembered Li Ying's instructions. She personally picked up the teapot and poured a cup of clear tea for the emperor to moisten his throat.
The emperor saw that the tea in the cup was bright red. Although it gave off a faint medicinal smell, it was quite fresh and not unpleasant to drink. Without much thought, he took it and drank it all in one gulp.
He found the tea slightly sour. After careful tasting, he could easily detect the sweet aftertaste. He murmured in approval, "Sister, this tea is quite interesting."
The eldest princess understood and poured him another cup.
After drinking two cups of the sweet tea, the emperor felt that the turbid qi that had been weighing on his heart for days seemed to suddenly disperse, and his internal organs became completely unblocked. He couldn't help but feel refreshed.
"Sister, quickly pour more tea for me!"
He broke his usual habit and drank the whole teapot of tea to the last drop. Still not satisfied, he didn't feel any bloating or discomfort in his stomach. Instead, he felt a slight hunger.
For several days, the tonic prescriptions prescribed by the imperial doctors had left a bitter taste in his mouth, and he had had no appetite at all. Now, with his appetite suddenly whetted, the green and fresh dishes on the table looked extremely appealing.
The emperor picked up his chopsticks and directly reached for the stir - fried alfalfa shoots with wine. As he chewed carefully, the fresh taste of spring was fully released in his mouth. The rich aroma of wine was intoxicating but not overpowering, giving a unique and satisfying feeling.
Then he tasted the golden and crispy yellow croaker spring rolls. The layers of the pastry crackled between his teeth, and the fish filling inside was soft, tender, and extremely delicious.
The seemingly plain seven - herb congee, when paired with the spicy toon sprouts, was like adding a bold stroke of ink to a plain silk fabric.
After the emperor had eaten and drunk his fill, he finally let out a long and satisfied sigh. Patting his slightly bulging belly, he praised, "Sister, where on earth did you find such a wonderful cook? She can make these ordinary porridges and side dishes so delicious!"
Seeing that the timing was right, the eldest princess cleared her throat and was about to speak to recommend Li Ying.
However, before she could say a word, a young eunuch rushed forward and whispered something in the emperor's ear.
The emperor frowned and looked at the eldest princess with a rather intriguing expression.
"Sister, you sent a royal chef into the palace to serve. In that case, why not simply recommend this talented person from your mansion to the imperial kitchen?"
The emperor never showed his emotions easily. The eldest princess knew his temperament well. She knew that although he seemed calm on the surface, he was probably already angry. She quickly knelt on the ground.
"Your Majesty, what are you saying! How could I ever interfere in the affairs of the palace!"
She was extremely nervous and swore earnestly.
The emperor pondered in silence. After a long while, he reached out his hand and slowly helped her up from the ground.
"Sister, why do you say such things! I naturally trust you. It was just a joke. Why do you take it so seriously?"
The eldest princess stood up straight, steadied herself, and then secretly glanced at the place where Li Ying was hiding. Summoning up her courage, she said softly, "Your Majesty, I do have someone I'd like to recommend to you, hoping to relieve your worries."
Li Ying slowly walked out from her hiding place. She straightened her back and looked directly into the emperor's face without flinching.
"May Your Majesty be in good health. This humble woman, Mrs. Li of the Lu family, pays homage to Your Majesty!"
Although she was already the betrothed bride of Lu Xunguang, this was the first time she had openly admitted her identity as a "woman of the Lu family". There was a strange feeling of nervousness in her heart, but also a touch of sweetness.
The emperor sized her up from head to toe. Hearing the words "Lu family", he slightly squinted his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Lu Xunguang's bride has quite a lot of skills. You even have the eldest princess showing you respect. What a great honor!"
Li Ying knew that the emperor's anger was unpredictable. She knelt on the ground honestly and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger! This humble commoner has no ill intentions. I came to the eldest princess only to relieve your worries!"