Chapter 716: Chapter 716: I’ll Go Get a Pot of Wine Chapter 716: Chapter 716: I’ll Go Get a Pot of Wine Shu Yu carried the bucket directly to the riverbank, where she washed the river snails many times. When the water was clear, she was satisfied and brought them back.
Sanya and Dahu didn’t help much with snipping the river snails, but now they hurried to compete for the task of starting the fire.
Dahu, as the older brother, generously gave up his spot and went to peel garlic and wash the ingredients.
Shu Yu had asked Fang Xiyue to pick a large bunch of perilla leaves yesterday, so Dahu washed those as well.
Shu Yu decided to make two different flavors. The children were young and she didn’t dare to feed them too spicy, just a little bit of mild chili to add flavor, just like how she made the fragrant spicy rabbit meat last time.
She saw Sanya peeping out from behind the stove from time to time and couldn’t help but laugh. She decided to cook the spicy snails first.
Once the wok was heated, she poured in oil.
Stir-frying river snails is actually quite simple. As Shu Yu added seasonings, she said to Sanya, “You all try it first, and if you like it, we can make it again next time. But the important thing about cooking river snails is that they have to be well cooked. If not, there’s a risk of paras….”
The terms ‘parasites’ were too difficult for them to understand, and it was rather unappetizing.
So, Shu Yu put it another way, “Many things can make you sick if they’re not cooked properly, and river snails are the same. Plus, if they’re not cooked, you can’t suck the meat out.”
Everyone nodded as they listened and soon, bursts of fragrance wafted through the air.
Shu Yu added wine and perilla leaves, which made the old lady’s eyes sparkle. She felt quite sentimental, “I always found river snails not tasty before, but now I understand. No matter what food it is, if you hesitate to use these ingredients, the dish will be flavorless.”
Who would use wine and oil on such small bits of meat that won’t fill you up?
Shu Yu smiled as the spicy snails were ready. She had the old lady bring over a large plate, filled it up, and placed it on the table, then called the two children over.
“Wash your hands first, then we can eat and continue cooking.”
“Second sister, let’s finish cooking everything before we eat,” suggested Dahu.
Shu Yu shook her head, “It won’t taste good once it’s cold.”
The two little ones looked at each other, hurried to wash their hands, and returned to eagerly sniff around the snails, “It really smells so good.”
“Try it, try to suck one out, and if you can’t, we’ll use a toothpick.”
For these river snails, Shu Yu specially asked Father Fang to make a toothpick.
Father Fang’s health had improved and although he was able to go outside, he was still not fit for labor. However, whittling toothpicks while leaning against the bedhead was easy, and Shu Yu had given him three eggs as a reward.
Father Fang couldn’t refuse her and put extra effort into making the toothpicks, which were fine and uniform, without any splinters.
Dahu and Sanya had never tried them before and didn’t quite understand until the old lady had eaten a couple, and then they excitedly went to get some.
The eyes of the two children brightened on the spot.
After they had eaten their fill, Shu Yu started the second pot. This time she cooked a bit more and carried it in a large soup bowl straight to the Manor.
As soon as she stepped through the gate, Wang Changdong sniffed, “What’s that smell, it’s delicious?”
“River snails.” Shu Yu entered carrying a net bag into the living room and placed the large bowl on the table. As soon as she opened the lid, the rich fragrance became even more pronounced and overbearing.
Wang Changdong was very curious, “It looks very tasty.”
Shu Yu offered, “Want to try?”
After trying one, Wang Changdong’s eyes lit up, and he hastily said, “I’m going to get a jug of wine.”