in2ebook Chapter 248 Spicy and Sour Chicken Feet
Chapter 248 Spicy and Sour Chicken Feet
After a comfortable soak, I was enveloped in the warm steam, as if all my fatigue had melted away with the water. I slowly emerged from the tub, picked up the fluffy towel beside me, and gently wiped myself, feeling my skin gradually dry. Then, I slipped into my loose pajamas, slipped on my slippers, and slowly walked to the door.
As I walked to the door, I glanced at the floor and was pleasantly surprised to find that the fresh vegetables and delicious chicken feet I ordered before taking a bath had already arrived! This was amazing! Since the ingredients were already prepared, what was there to wait for? I just got started!
I turned and hurried into the kitchen. I deftly turned on the water heater, set the temperature, and waited for it to boil two liters of scalding water. While the water was boiling, I quickly grabbed the chicken feet by the sink and carefully cleaned them. First, I rinsed the chicken feet clean of any impurities, then carefully trimmed each one with scissors to avoid scratching my mouth. Once I was done, I placed the clean, white chicken feet in cold water, adding a few slices of ginger and a touch of cooking wine to remove the fishy smell.
While the chicken feet simmered in the pot, I immediately set to work preparing the lush green vegetables. First up was the crisp celery, which I cut into evenly spaced pieces with a few clicks of the knife. I then arranged them neatly on the side of the cutting board.
Soon, the water in the water heater had successfully boiled. I quickly found a clean, oil- and water-free food container and carefully poured the boiling water into it. Then, holding the container in both hands, I gently placed it in the freezer's micro-freezer, allowing the hot water to slowly cool to a comfortable temperature in the low-temperature environment.
After I successfully completed this series of movements, I slowly turned my head and my eyes fell on the pot that was constantly bubbling with steam and splattering with soup. Looking closely, I saw that it was the chicken feet in the pot that were jumping and tumbling happily, as if to show me their joy at being cooked.
I silently estimated that the chicken feet were almost done. With that thought in mind, I casually reached out my right hand, grabbed the pair of wooden chopsticks that lay nearby, and carefully reached into the pot. Then, I firmly grasped one of the chicken feet and slowly lifted it up.
As soon as I lifted the chicken foot from the water, I eagerly pressed gently on the skin with my left index finger. The touch was incredibly soft, like a ball of freshly fluffed cotton. Then, I slightly increased my pressure and pinched the skin. To my surprise, even though the skin was still intact, I could easily remove a piece with just a little effort.
Seeing this, I couldn't help but nodded with satisfaction, and secretly rejoiced in my heart: "Hey, it looks like the chicken feet are cooked!" In a flash, I hurriedly speeded up my hands, quickly took the rest of the cooked chicken feet out of the pot, and hurried to the kitchen sink, turned on the faucet, and let the ice-cold water flow out.
I clutched the still-steaming chicken feet in my hands and placed them all under the running water, letting the icy water wash over them, hoping the coolness would cool them down quickly. After a while, when they were no longer hot, I still felt a little uneasy, worried that they might change due to the sudden cold.
So, I reached out again, pinched a chicken foot between my thumb and index finger, and gave it another tentative squeeze. After a careful feel, I found the chicken foot hadn't become stiffened or hardened by the cold, retaining its same tender, soft texture. Finally, my anxiety settled, and I could calmly begin seasoning these delicious chicken feet!
I took a deep breath, as if to sear the recipe into my memory. Then, methodically, I began, first picking up a bottle of vinegar and gently unscrewing the cap. A tangy aroma filled my nostrils. Then, I took out a sharp knife and minced the bright red chili peppers into tiny pieces. The vibrant red crumbs shone like flames.
Sugar sprinkled into the bowl like snow, shimmering and translucent; a suitable amount of salt followed closely behind, falling in a flurry. Then, I added the washed and chopped celery, which, like little green elves, added a touch of freshness to the sauce. Finally, I carefully fished the pickled sour chilies I had carefully prepared from the jar and placed them in the bowl.
When everything was ready, I poured the bowl filled with various seasonings into the box of boiled water. Instantly, the various ingredients blended together, emitting a rich sour and spicy aroma that filled the air throughout the kitchen and stimulated my taste buds.
Next, it's time to tackle our main attraction—those tender, tempting chicken feet! I carefully pick up each foot, treating it like a precious treasure, meticulously cleaning it clean of any dirt and impurities. Then, I pick up a pair of small, sharp scissors and meticulously trim off any excess, sharp nails, leaving each foot smooth and neat.
After completing this series of meticulous operations, I gently placed the chicken feet one by one into the pre-seasoned boiled water. The clear water surface was gradually filled with the chicken feet, which slowly stretched themselves in the water like a group of graceful dancers.
I gazed silently at the chicken feet slowly soaking in the water, my heart filled with anticipation. Finally, unable to contain my curiosity and eagerness, I picked up a small spoon and gently scooped up a little bit of the broth. The broth swished slightly in the spoon, shimmering with an alluring sheen. Carefully, I brought the spoon to my lips and, with utmost caution, took that tiny sip.
At that moment, a powerful and unique burst of sour and spicy flavor exploded on my tongue! The rich sourness was like a refreshing breeze on a summer day, reaching deep into my throat; while the fiery spiciness was like a blazing flame, quickly spreading throughout my mouth, stimulating every taste bud. This wonderful combination was irresistible and intoxicating.
After savoring the delicious flavor, I didn't stop. Instead, I added some of my favorite garnish—a refreshingly green cucumber. However, for personal reasons, I don't like the slightly sweet taste of carrots, so I opted not to add them. Adding some orange-red shredded carrots would have made the dish even more vibrant and eye-catching!