Chapter 374 New Flavors
Jiang Huan thought about it more and more and felt it was feasible, and she was eager to try it.
She didn't stay in the workshop for long and soon returned to the palace.
Upon returning to Weiyang Palace, he immediately instructed Xiao Zhao to go to He Ling's experimental field and fetch some fresh red chili peppers and dried chili peppers.
When He Ling heard that Jiang Huan wanted chili peppers to make a new flavor of instant noodles, she immediately picked out a large basket of the best-looking ones and sent it over, along with some cilantro, scallions and other spices that she had recently tried growing.
"Your Majesty, please use it as you wish. I have more if you need more."
He Ling patted her chest, her eyes sparkling, as if she could already see the scene of spicy instant noodles sweeping the country.
Looking at the basket of bright red chilies that exuded a unique spicy aroma, Jiang Huan was also full of energy.
She instructed the palace servants to prepare various ingredients and tools in the small kitchen of Weiyang Palace, and rolled up their sleeves, ready to get to work.
She first instructed the palace servants to slowly roast some of the dried chilies over a low flame until fragrant, and then carefully grind them into a fine powder.
Then, finely chop fresh red chilies and sauté them together with minced garlic and ginger in hot oil until the oil turns red and fragrant.
A spicy and enticing aroma immediately filled the kitchen.
While busy working, Jiang Huan was mentally calculating the seasoning recipe.
The chili powder should be finely ground, and you should also add some toasted sesame seeds and crushed peanuts to enhance the texture.
Hmm, add a little sugar and salt to balance the flavor, and it should be about right.
Let's do a trial run and see how it goes!
She was focused on mixing the ingredients when she suddenly heard a familiar chattering sound coming from outside.
"Your Majesty, we've come to see you!"
Before she finished speaking, Princess Mingzhu, like a happy little bird, grabbed Ping An and rushed into the small kitchen.
The two were paying their respects to the Empress Dowager in the palace today. When Mingzhu heard that Jiang Huan had been making new dishes in the small kitchen after returning to the palace, she couldn't contain her curiosity and dragged her quiet cousin over as well.
The main reason was that he didn't want to talk to the Empress Dowager too much, as he found it awkward.
"Your Majesty, are you making something delicious again? It smells so good!" Mingzhu sniffed, looking completely delighted.
Princess Ping'an, being pulled along by Mingzhu, felt somewhat embarrassed, but still respectfully bowed: "This humble woman greets Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort."
She had long heard that this Imperial Noble Consort was extraordinary, famous for her culinary skills.
But I was still surprised to see her cooking herself today.
When Jiang Huan saw that it was the two of them, she smiled and wiped the fine sweat from her forehead with the back of her clean hand: "You've come at the right time. I'm researching new flavors of instant noodles. If you're not afraid of spicy food, you can try them later and give me some feedback."
Upon hearing this, Mingzhu immediately agreed: "Okay, okay, I'm not afraid of strong liquor, so why would I be afraid of chili peppers?"
Meanwhile, in the study of Weiyang Palace.
Since Jiang Huan became pregnant, Huo Lin has moved his official duties to Weiyang Palace.
He had just finished reviewing a stack of memorials and was resting by pinching his brow when Huo Yuan walked in.
Huo Yuan, as always, kept a straight face and solemnly reported on several important matters, such as border military settlements and grain distribution, in a clear and meticulous manner.
Huo Lin listened, but he was a little puzzled.
This kid usually leaves right after his report, but today he seems to be dragging his feet.
His eyes kept glancing out the window. What was he looking at?
Sure enough, after finishing the business, Huo Yuan did not immediately take his leave. His gaze unconsciously drifted to the window, and his nostrils twitched almost imperceptibly.
Huo Lin took in all his little actions without making a sound, and directly summoned Wang Degui.
What is she doing over there?
Wang Degui quickly bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, the Empress is in a good mood today. She is in the small kitchen and says she wants to use chili peppers to research new instant noodle flavors."
Upon hearing Wang Degui's words, Huo Yuan, who had been trying to remain calm, could no longer hold back.
He coughed lightly, turned to Huo Lin, and looked somewhat embarrassed.
"Your Majesty," he said cautiously, "instant noodles are of great benefit to the army. If the taste could be improved, it would be a boon to the soldiers on the border. I wonder if Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort would allow me to learn more about your research and development?"
Huo Lin chuckled inwardly as he watched Huo Lin's awkward expression—clearly curious but insisting on using matters of national importance as a pretext.
Ha, you can't sit still once you smell it, can you?
I turned her away a few days ago on the grounds that she was pregnant and shouldn't overwork herself; this kid certainly knows how to find an opportunity.
Fine, seeing how anxious he is, I'll grant his request this time.
He remained expressionless, simply saying, "Since the young master is concerned about military affairs, then come with me to take a look."
After saying that, Huo Lin stood up, and Huo Yuan quickly followed. The two of them walked towards the small kitchen together.
The closer you get, the stronger the domineering yet alluring spicy aroma becomes.
The small kitchen was bustling with people inside and out.
Jiang Huan, wearing a plain apron, was standing in front of the stove, carefully tasting the freshly prepared sauce with a small spoon. The spiciness made her sweat, but her eyes crinkled with satisfaction.
Princess Mingzhu fluttered around her like a little butterfly, chattering away with questions.
Princess Ping'an stood a little further away, watching with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
Huo Lin's gaze immediately locked onto Jiang Huan. He noticed her flushed cheeks, fine beads of sweat on her forehead, and his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
Why did you do it yourself again?
What should I do if I'm tired?
However, seeing how happy she is, it would be too much of a spoilsport if I were to stop her now.
[Fine, let her be. I'll keep a close eye on her and make sure she doesn't get burned.]
He strode forward, took out a handkerchief, and wiped the sweat from her forehead with a tender tone.
"Take your time, is there anything I can do to help?"
Jiang Huan was immersed in the joy of successfully preparing the sauce when she saw him. Her eyes lit up even more, and she presented the spoon to his lips like a treasure.
"You've come at the perfect time! Come and try this. This is the sauce I just made. Doesn't it smell delicious? With this sauce, I think I could eat an extra bowl of rice!"
Huo Lin hesitated for a moment as he looked at the bright red sauce, but seeing her expectant eyes, he still opened his mouth and tasted a little bit.
Instantly, a strong spicy sensation rushed to his throat, causing him to cough lightly twice, his cheeks turning slightly red.
[Wow...that's powerful!]
[This taste is quite unique; it warms me up from head to toe.]
"How is it?" Jiang Huan asked impatiently.
Huo Lin nodded: "Whatever you develop, it can't be wrong."
Huo Lin's evaluation, though brief, was enough to make Jiang Huan beam with joy.
She was about to say something more when her gaze swept over the people around her, then fell upon the large pot of freshly cooked chili peppers in front of her, and the various fresh ingredients prepared beside it...
Jiang Huan's eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands suddenly.
"Hey! With so many people, just tasting the condiments isn't enough! Luckily, the soup base and ingredients are all ready, so why don't we just have a hot pot feast right here today!"
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