The whole family is back now. Although they marvel at Mo Yuan's generosity, the money's already spent, so they can't say anything more.
After saying only a few words, he washed his hands and joined the army of helpers!
Mo Yuan plans to fry those small fish and sell them as fish soup. It's sour, spicy, and fragrant—a delicious dish.
Larger fish will be used to make spiced fish, which is easy to make, delicious, and easy to preserve!
It was also very easy to prepare. For the small fish, you could simply squeeze their bellies with your fingers to remove all the internal organs. For the larger ones, I instructed my sisters-in-law and second sisters to just gut and clean out the internal organs and gills, leaving the scales on—the scales weren't necessary for making good pickled fish. Next, under the curious gaze of his family, Mo Yuan began to prepare it!
There was only one large pot in the house, so the eldest brother specially brought out the family's coal stove, lit a fire, and added a small pot.
It was perfect that my sister-in-law and second sister-in-law were there to help fry the small fish. It didn't require any special skills; they just marinated them, coated them in flour, and then fried them!
As long as you pay attention to the heat, there shouldn't be any major problems. It's very simple for the two of them who are good at cooking!
Mo Yuan was in charge of the more complicated five-spice pickled fish, which had already been cleaned and dried.
With the dog helping to start the fire, Mo Yuan busied himself around the big pot!
Fry over low heat until the fish is completely golden brown, then remove and set aside.
Then comes the main event: at this time of year, the cabbages stored in the cellar during winter have long been eaten, so there's no way to line the bottom of the pot with cabbage leaves.
Mo Yuan had no choice but to settle for second best, adding a layer of scallions to the bottom of the pot. These weren't uncommon; every rural household had a small plot of land, and vegetables were always grown in front of and behind their houses.
Then add appropriate amounts of ginger, star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, and other ingredients on top.
Add another layer of fried fish. To prevent sticking, add a layer of scallions on top of the fish, then another layer of fish. Repeat this process until all the fish are used.
Then, according to a certain ratio, add sugar, salt, soy sauce, aged vinegar, and other seasonings. After that, pour in hot water, bring it to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for about three hours. Of course, for the best flavor, let it sit overnight; it will taste best the next day!
Everything is ready; all that's left is to let time do its work. Just have the dog put a large piece of firewood at the bottom of the pot to keep the fire burning.
Hao Ren entered the courtyard, which was already filled with a fragrant aroma.
Small fish and shrimp coated in flour and deep-fried until golden and crispy—this aroma is irresistible to rural people who rarely eat meat!
Not only were the eldest sister-in-law and second sister drooling while working, but they would also occasionally sneakily pinch one and pop it into their mouths. After exchanging a furtive smile like thieves, they would greedily chew and savor the rare treat. Then, after a while, they would act as if nothing had happened and continue working diligently, only to sneak another one together again in perfect unison!
They were having a great time, like two happy groundhogs.
This caused Yu Xiu'e, who was standing to the side, to roll her eyes repeatedly. It's true what they say: if the cook doesn't steal, the grains won't be harvested!
Mo Yuan and Gouzi had already smelled the aroma, and as soon as they finished their work, they ran out immediately!
Without saying a word, Mo Yuan grabbed it and put it in his mouth! While eating, he comforted himself, saying that it wasn't that he was greedy, but that his body was lacking in oil and needed to be replenished!
Seeing that the dog was still hesitant, Mo Yuan grabbed a small handful and handed it to him.
Yu Xiu'e chimed in, "Eat! Why shouldn't we eat? Of all the dogs in this yard, Gouzi is the most obedient!"
This left the eldest brother, Mo Gang, completely bewildered. "I've been quite obedient and well-behaved!"
She even unconsciously moved her feet closer to the pot!
Soon, the whole family was immersed in the immense happiness brought by the delicious food, and they couldn't help but think that it wouldn't be unacceptable if Mo Yuan continued to be such a spendthrift.
If I could eat like this every day!
Plain noodles for lunch, fried fish for dinner—what a blissful life!
The group was so engrossed in the delicious food that they couldn't tear themselves away until Mo Youshan, who was smoking a pipe by the entrance of the main room, finally interrupted them.
He coughed twice to attract Mo Yuan's attention, then pointed his pipe outside!
Mo Yuan then realized that his father wasn't worried about them eating all the food.
It was because, at that very moment, a group of children were peering over the wall of their house.
The saliva he drooled was practically cascading down three thousand feet.
If we don't stop it, it might just knock down the wall!
…………
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