"Roasted gluten" is actually fermented and steamed gluten. Cut roasted gluten into pieces, slice winter bamboo shoots, and slice shiitake mushrooms. Heat oil in a wok until it reaches 70% of its maximum temperature, then slowly fry the roasted gluten until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Blanch the winter bamboo shoots and shiitake mushroom slices in boiling water until they are cooked through. Then add shredded ginger, star anise, and cinnamon to the water and cook together. Xu Milu originally wanted to add scallions and garlic for seasoning, but then remembered that monks cannot eat scallions and garlic, so she simply substituted shredded ginger.
Once the water in the pot boils, add a little light soy sauce and salt to taste, then add the fried gluten. Turn the heat to low and simmer slowly until the seasonings are fully absorbed, then it's ready to serve.
Fortunately, her custom-made food box was large enough, with layers of wooden boards separating it, and it could hold several pots of hot dishes perfectly. On the other end of the carrying pole, there was a small stove and charcoal in a basket, so that Xu Milu could cook noodles on the spot.
Xu Milu plans to cook the mushroom vegetarian noodles fresh. Vegetarian noodles are different from stir-fried dishes; they should be eaten freshly cooked. Otherwise, they will lose their freshness if left for too long and will easily clump together.
...
Just as Xu Milu set off with her load, she saw the door of the house across the street, belonging to Madam Yin, open. A beautiful woman with a round face, dressed simply, came out. She was startled to see Xu Milu carrying her load, then gracefully bowed, her handkerchief in hand.
“It was my neighbor’s wife. I heard her knocking on the door the night before last, and I was afraid, so I didn’t answer. I hope you won’t be angry.”
Xu Milu glanced at Madam Yin and saw that she was only in her early twenties, with a slender waist. Even in simple clothes, her stunning beauty was undeniable. She couldn't help but gasp slightly.
So beautiful, could it be some kind of deity or monster?
How come there are so many hidden talents in Chang'an?
"It's alright, it was my oversight. From now on, my wife and I will be neighbors. If you need anything, just call me Madam Xu. Is Madam Yin also going to listen to Master Xuanzang's sermon?"
Xu Milu lifted the load and changed the subject.
Lady Yin bit her lip, a layer of sorrow settling between her brows:
“I went there to offer incense and some fruits and vegetarian food for my deceased husband, hoping that he could be reborn in the Pure Land soon. I did not go to see the monk Xuanzang... It’s just that the food box is too heavy, so I guess I have no chance to see him.”
Seeing that Lady Yin was struggling to carry even a lunchbox, Xu Milu thought that since she could live in Chang'an, even if she was a demon, she must be a good one. She immediately picked up the lunchbox that Lady Yin had placed on the ground.
“Madam Yin, I still have some strength. Since you are also going to Huasheng Temple, let’s go together.”
Madam Yin's lips moved slightly, as if she were a little flustered, before she nodded gently and said in a soft voice, "Then thank you very much, Madam Xu."
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