After finalizing that Totsuki would receive a share of future ingredient distributions, the interaction between Bai Mo and Nakiri Senzaemon became even more harmonious.
Since the research report hadn't been fully verified yet, Bai Mo decided not to invite Nakiri Senzaemon to try the dragon meat dishes. He was worried the old man might end up with an unexpected reaction.
After some conversation, Bai Mo took his leave. However, since he was already at Totsuki, he wasn't about to leave immediately.
"Well, since I'm here, I might as well check if the seeds I planted earlier have sprouted any tender shoots," he thought.
In the No. 3 Culinary Building of Totsuki, Nakiri Erina, dressed in a pristine white chef's uniform, was carefully simmering a pot of soup in front of her.
This was a classic Western-style pumpkin bisque, a dish Nakiri Erina had prepared no less than a hundred times before. Yet, at this moment, she didn't let her guard down in the slightest, instead watching the pot with extreme caution.
The air was filled with the rich aroma of spices, but it wasn't overpowering. Instead, it blended harmoniously with the cream and other flavors.
After moving the finished pumpkin bisque off the stove, Nakiri Erina picked up a spoon and took a small sip. Instantly, her furrowed brows relaxed.
"Whew~ Not bad. Adding turmeric and parsley really made the flavors blend more smoothly. Thanks for the suggestion, Hisako."
"Not at all. Given time, you would've thought of the right ingredients too, Erina-sama. I just happened to have a bit more experience with them."
"Hmm~ But this Spice Fruit is truly incredible. Just one fruit contains the combined flavors of over a dozen spices! And depending on how it's processed, the cooking method, or the duration, it can produce entirely different flavors. It's unbelievable!"
"If only I had enough Spice Fruit, I could probably derive quite a few recipes. But there's so little left..."
Looking at the half-used Spice Fruit on the counter, Nakiri Erina couldn't help but sigh.
Bai Mo had given her two more earlier, but no matter how frugal she was with her experiments, a lot had still gone to waste. And if she wanted more of these ingredients, she'd have to ask that elusive guy.
But Nakiri Erina had her pride—how could she possibly beg someone to hand over ingredients?
Sigh... It's not like even her grandfather could do anything about him.
Maybe she should ask her grandfather if Totsuki could purchase some from him directly.
Just as Nakiri Erina was thinking about a certain someone, the door to the kitchen swung open.
"Yo, eaten yet?"
"Huh? Y-you... why are you here?"
Was it really bad to think about someone casually?
She'd only just briefly thought about him—why had he appeared right in front of her? What kind of ridiculous coincidence was this?
Bai Mo didn't notice the strange look on the young lady's face. The moment he entered the kitchen, his attention was immediately captured by the pot of soup.
"Perfect timing. Is this freshly made soup? It smells like you used the Spice Fruit I gave you. Mind if I try some?"
Before Arato Hisako could say anything, Nakiri Erina crossed her arms, accentuating her ample curves, and declared proudly, "Of course. Didn't you say you were looking forward to someone conquering your taste buds with new ingredients?"
"Then let me, Nakiri Erina, be the first!"
Bai Mo didn't bother refuting the golden-haired young lady's pride. He simply picked up the spoon on the table and tasted the freshly poured pumpkin bisque.
This Spice Fruit pumpkin bisque was not only vibrant in color and rich in texture but also blended the complex flavors of multiple ingredients. It retained the natural sweetness of the pumpkin while adding a unique spiciness and fruity aroma through the Spice Fruit and other spices. It would probably be perfect for autumn and winter.
"Not a bad approach. You added cilantro and parsley to enhance the layers of flavor, and you also used vegetable stock to boost the umami and coconut milk for richness and smoothness. It's definitely a well-made dish."
"But personally, since you added turmeric and a bit of chili powder for a unique taste, why not throw in some cinnamon and ginger powder? It might deepen the layers even further."
"And maybe instead of the golden pumpkin typically used for soups, a new variety like chestnut pumpkin would've been a better choice for flavor."
Nakiri Erina initially wanted to refute Bai Mo's suggestions, but after thinking it over for a moment, she had to admit he had a point.
"I see... Next time, I'll definitely present a dish that satisfies you."
"Ah~ Well, now that I'm full and satisfied, I'll take my leave. Looking forward to your next dish~"
However, the moment Bai Mo stepped out of the kitchen, a smile crept onto his lips.
[Ding~ Congratulations, host, for tasting the blue-grade dish [Spice Fruit Pumpkin Bisque]! Obtained 490 Deliciousness Points!]
[Recipe successfully recorded!]
[Spice Fruit Pumpkin Bisque]
**[Required ingredients: Spice Fruit, pumpkin, onion, garlic, stock, coconut milk, fresh herbs, etc.
Preparation method: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pot. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté over low heat until golden and fragrant.
Add diced pumpkin and stir-fry evenly. Sprinkle in Spice Fruit, turmeric, and other mixed spices, continuing to stir-fry for a few minutes to let the pumpkin absorb the flavors.
Pour in chicken or vegetable stock until the pumpkin is fully submerged. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the pumpkin softens.
Use a blender or food processor to puree the pumpkin soup until smooth. Return the soup to the pot and season with salt, black pepper, and coconut milk to taste.
Stir well and heat until just boiling. Finally, add chopped cilantro and parsley leaves.]**
A blue-grade ingredient recipe!
It seemed his idea of using Totsuki as his experimental culinary kitchen was proving quite successful.
Maybe once ingredients became more abundant in the future, he could ramp things up a bit.
Meanwhile, after Bai Mo left, Nakiri Erina stared at the lone spoon left on the counter, her face flushing slightly with embarrassment.
----------
T/N:
Access 30 chapters in advance on my Patreon:patreon.com/multiversalfeast [Images Included]
You'll also get 5 extra chapters just for being a free member!