第１６２１堀：単純であるが奥が深い料理の基礎 (Part2)
"That is correct. We will place the soup on the tables as well, but since the portions are quite generous, we’ll provide one serving for every eight people."
"I see. That makes sense."
With the general explanation concluded, we immediately set out to challenge ourselves with cooking rice. Though, in truth, it is a simple matter of washing the grains, letting them soak, placing them in the rice cooker, and pressing the switch.
"Is it... like this?"
"That’s it exactly."
"Yes. One thing to note: when you wash the rice, the white liquid that emerges—we call it rice bran—should be left in to some degree. Be careful not to over-polish it."
"And how much would you say is the right amount?"
"It’s largely a matter of intuition. Even within the same variety, the condition of the rice and the bran can vary. Since today is for practice, why don't we try cooking a few batches to see how different levels of washing affect the flavor?"
"Oh! I’ve never tried that before. I’m actually quite curious."
And so, we decided to cook rice under various conditions. Even I had never conducted such an experiment, so I found myself looking forward to seeing just how much the flavor would change—though I made sure to avoid anything that might end up inedible.
Still, it was only a matter of washing and cooking. With three of us working, the task was finished in the blink of an eye.
"Isn't two cups per rice cooker a bit small?"
"We are running experiments, after all. Besides, I’ve already had plenty of help with the actual dinner preparations."
I had kept the experimental portions small, of course. For tonight’s actual dinner, I had already set ten cups to cook, as the ladies are quite fond of their rice.
"Was that all right?"
Seraria tilted her head, looking slightly puzzled by how quickly it was over. Ria and I explained that this was simply how cooking rice went, and we moved on to the next task.
"Next, we have the soup."
"Soup?"
"To put it in terms easier for you to grasp, Seraria, it is a broth."
"Ah, I see."
"There are many varieties, but let’s make the signature dish of Weed: miso soup."
"That sounds perfect. Nothing goes better with rice than miso soup."
Miso soup. It is an indispensable element of Japanese cuisine. You dissolve miso paste into hot water, add your ingredients, and consume it. It possesses a unique, savory depth that is truly delicious. Above all, much like rice, there is a vast array of miso types, each changing the flavor profile entirely, and the choice of ingredients offers endless possibilities for enjoyment.
After explaining as much to Seraria, I continued.
"Now, as for how we shall prepare it, we will begin with this specific miso. It is a staple in our household."
I presented a single type of miso to avoid any confusion.
"Is this the one? Do we change the preparation method, just as we did with the rice?"
"Indeed. Let’s try changing the ingredients. You’ll be able to feel the difference in flavor for yourself."
"In that case, I’d like one with seaweed, please!"
"As you wish."
With Ria’s request settled, we had our first variety. Miso soup ingredients are truly versatile. I considered adding the classics: tofu, fried bean curd, and perhaps some nameko mushrooms. With that in mind, I began the preparations.
It was here that Seraria held a kitchen knife for the first time to slice the tofu and fried bean curd.
"Now, Seraria, I am well aware that you undergo combat training and are accustomed to handling blades and swords. However, I must ask you to observe the specific precautions for using a kitchen knife."
It was the Master’s instruction that such warnings be given at every opportunity. He believed that such a shift in mindset was essential to preventing accidents.
"Yes. I understand."
Seraria showed no resistance; she listened obediently to the instructions on how to handle the knife and what to do in the event of a cut. Then, just like Aslin and the others, she began to slice the ingredients using the 'cat’s paw' technique.
"...The tofu keeps crumbling, doesn't it? What should I do? Should I move the blade more quickly?"
"Ah, no. That was a bit of a special case."
"Haha."
Before us, the wobbly, trembling tofu sat in all its glory.
Salt, sugar—cooking is a craft where the flavor changes entirely based on a mere pinch. It is as enjoyable as it is difficult. And, in a sense, it is a form of magic that can turn the edible into the inedible.