in2ebook Chapter 246 Fried Potatoes
Chapter 246 Fried Potatoes
"Goodbye, Teacher Sui Sui! See you tomorrow!" My heart felt warmed by the clear, childish calls of these children. Looking at those adorable little faces as they waved goodbye to me with such anticipation, I couldn't help but smile, feeling a surge of strength and enthusiasm.
Finally, a busy day at work ends, and I have my own relaxing time – off-get off work time. For me, this is also the happiest and most enjoyable time of the day: preparing a sumptuous and delicious dinner.
Back home, I briskly walked into the kitchen, expertly pulled out my phone, and successfully connected it to the optical computer. Then, I quickly opened the treasured app, Xiaohongshu, and began searching for tonight's meal inspiration. With a flick of my finger across the screen, a tantalizing array of recipes and cooking videos appeared before my eyes. Should I choose a spicy and savory Sichuan dish? Or try an exquisite Western dessert? Or perhaps a nutritionally balanced Chinese home-style meal? With so many choices, it was a bit overwhelming! But no matter, each one looked so mouth-watering, and no matter which dish I ultimately decided on, I was sure it would be a delightful journey for my taste buds.
At that moment, my eyes were suddenly drawn to a note about potatoes. In that instant, as if by some invisible magic, the long-dormant craving within me was awakened. Potatoes are a delicacy I yearn for even after a few days of absence! The thought of their unique texture and aroma set my taste buds on fire. So, I immediately decided to cook tonight and satisfy my craving for a delicious fried potato. And, of course, I'd pair it with juicy green cilantro and tender scallions. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!
I immediately rolled up my sleeves and methodically followed the detailed instructions in my notebook. First, I carefully picked up a potato and gently peeled it with a peeler. Then, I rinsed the peeled potato under clean water. Next, I took out my kitchen knife and expertly cut the potato into even pieces. Once everything was ready, I poured a suitable amount of cooking oil into the wok and waited for it to reach 70% hot. When the oil began to smoke slightly, I quickly and carefully placed the cut potato pieces into the wok. With a sizzling sound, the potato pieces, like cheerful little elves, rolled and danced in the hot oil. With each enticing sizzle, the color of the potato pieces gradually changed from pale yellow to golden, finally taking on a mouth-watering crispy color.
At this moment, the doorbell rang without warning, the sound was crisp and urgent. I was holding a spatula in my hand, stirring the potatoes in the pot. When I heard the bell, I couldn't help but quicken my pace and walked towards the door.
When I reached out to open the door, I was met by a robot, a courier from the StarCraft. Its metal shell gleamed with a cold light, its electronic eyes revealing a mechanical indifference. "Excuse me, Miss Li? Here's a package for you. Please sign for it," the robot said in a tone devoid of emotion.
I glanced at the package with confusion. My name and address were clearly written on it. A closer look revealed that it was actually something from Ferro! Thinking back to that night, Lillian, Ferro, and I had a happy dinner together, but unexpectedly, Ferro left in a hurry the next day.
Looking at this mysterious package, my curiosity was instantly piqued, and I couldn't wait to see what was inside. Just as I was about to unwrap it, a thought suddenly flashed through my mind—there were still potatoes cooking in the pot! So, I quickly put down the package and hurried to the kitchen.
Thankfully, by the time I got to the kitchen, the potatoes weren't burnt or mushy. However, the crispness I'd always preferred was gone, replaced by a crispy crunch. While a bit different than expected, this unexpected change was still manageable.
I carefully took the potatoes out of the pot and placed them on a plate to cool. Then, I began to prepare the various seasonings needed to mix the potatoes, secretly looking forward to the unique flavor of this delicious snack.
First, I carefully sprinkled a generous amount of salt evenly over the steaming potatoes, fresh from the pot. Then, I gently sprinkled some Sichuan peppercorns and chili powder, letting them fall like snowflakes. Then, I lifted the bottle of light soy sauce, tilted it slightly, and let a few drops trickle down the sides. Then, I added a little balsamic vinegar. In that instant, a rich aroma, as if enchanted, spread quickly, filling the room.
I eagerly picked up a pair of chopsticks and began stirring the potatoes. As I stirred, each potato tumbled joyfully, embracing and entwining itself with the various spices. Soon, all the potatoes were tightly coated in the spices, and their once somewhat monotonous color instantly became vibrant and eye-catching, emitting a mouth-watering luster.
What a shame! Whether I was searching the crowded wet market or the overflowing supermarket, I couldn't find the radish I longed for. If I could add a little radish to this fried potato dish, its unique fragrance and crisp texture would definitely elevate the dish to an unimaginably delicious level.
At this thought, I couldn't help but sigh softly, but quickly regained my composure. Then, I suddenly remembered there was an unopened package waiting for me at the door. I quickly walked to the door, bent down, picked up the package, and turned to head for the dining table. Curiosity filled my heart as I walked, and the package in my hands seemed to grow heavier.
When I finally reached the dining table, I slowly sat down, gently placing the package on the table. I couldn't wait to reach out and carefully peel back the tape covering the package. As the tape peeled back bit by bit, an exquisite box gradually appeared before my eyes. I opened the lid and was greeted by a beautifully bound album.
Filled with anticipation, I gently flipped open the album's cover. Suddenly, familiar, heartwarming photos unfolded before my eyes like beautiful scrolls. Upon closer inspection, I realized they were all from our joyful dinner that evening. Seeing everyone smiling so brightly in the photos, fond memories of that moment flooded back.
As I was lost in my memories, I suddenly found a small note tucked into the last page of the album. I carefully removed the note and unfolded it. Written in flowing handwriting, it read: "Sui Sui, I miss that night so much. I hope our next reunion will come soon." After reading this, I couldn't help but smile.
I leisurely sat at the dining table, my eyes fixed on the plate of fried potatoes before me, emitting an alluring aroma. This was my own personal masterpiece! Although I felt a little disappointed that the crucial ingredient, zheergen (Chinese zheergen), was missing, the first bite was instantly captivating.
The golden, crispy exterior envelops the soft, fragrant, and tender interior, and every bite reveals the authentic flavor and unique texture of the potato. The carefully blended seasonings are the icing on the cake, blending and complementing each other, elevating this simple snack to a new level.