Chapter 146 Teaching the Maid to Make Lion's Head Meatballs
Chapter 146 Teaching the Maid to Make Lion's Head Meatballs
Lu Qingqing looked at the huge pile of ingredients and said:
"Spring orchids, autumn chrysanthemums, summer lotus, winter plum blossoms,"
Come and take a look at these ingredients.
Let's see what dishes they can make.
Let's select some dishes that the old lady and the county magistrate usually like to eat.
Chunlan stepped forward first, her gaze sweeping over the ingredients.
I saw several lively, fresh fish in the basin.
Said:
"Miss, the old lady likes steamed fish."
This servant thinks these fish are quite good.
"I can make one for the old lady."
Qiuju also came over and, seeing some bamboo shoots, said:
"Miss, these tender bamboo shoots can be stir-fried."
The old lady liked it very much too.
Xia He pointed to a basket of eggs and said:
"Miss, I can make steamed egg custard."
It just so happens that the old lady and the adults all like it.
These eggs are just right.
Dongmei pondered for a moment and said:
"Then let's make these ribs sweet and sour."
Adults like sweet things.
Lu Qingqing smiled and nodded, saying:
"Okay, your suggestion is good."
I feel great.
Are there any other dishes you like to eat?
Let's make a few more dishes.
Chunlan tilted her head and thought for a moment, then said:
"Miss, the old lady also likes to eat lily porridge."
Sweet, light, and refreshing.
Xia He blinked and said:
"Miss, would you like to make some chicken slices with egg white?"
This dish is both tender and fragrant.
Dongmei, not to be outdone, retorted:
"These shrimp look good to me."
This servant will make a jade shrimp dish.
Not only does it look good, but it also...
The taste is also excellent.
The old lady and the adults all liked it very much.
Qiuju said somewhat shyly:
"Miss,
Actually, the adults and the old lady preferred braised lion's head meatballs.
I overheard the old lady and the master talking about this before.
Unfortunately, none of the servants know how to do it.
Lu Qingqing also frequently eats lion's head meatballs in modern times.
That just so happens that she knows how to do it.
Lu Qingqing said softly:
"I happen to know how to make lion's head meatballs."
And it tastes pretty good too.
Do you want to learn? I can teach you all.
Everyone's eyes lit up, and Chunlan spoke first:
“That’s wonderful, Miss.”
"I've wanted to learn for a long time, but no one in the household knows how to do it."
When Lu Qingqing heard that several people wanted to learn,
So he began to explain it to the group in detail:
"Make braised lion's head meatballs,"
First, you need to choose good quality pork belly.
Cut into small cubes, about the size of pomegranate seeds.
Then add scallion and ginger water, salt, cooking wine, and cornstarch.
Stir in one direction until it becomes elastic.
Lu Qingqing spoke slowly and deliberately.
Everyone listened attentively.
Xia He couldn't help but ask:
"Miss,
"How big should the meatballs be?"
Lu Qingqing replied with a smile:
"About the size of a fist will do."
Then fry them in oil until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
Next, in a separate pot, sauté scallions, ginger, and garlic until fragrant.
Add soy sauce, rock sugar, star anise, and other seasonings.
Add water and bring to a boil, then add the fried meatballs.
Finally, simmer over low heat.
Dongmei sighed:
"I see, Miss, you're really amazing!"
Lu Qingqing looked at these adorable girls,
I glanced at the sky again.
He said with a smile:
I think it's still early.
I do have time to teach you.
Do you want to learn how to do it?
I'll give Mom and my brother a surprise later.
Upon hearing this, everyone's faces lit up with anticipation.
Chunlan said excitedly:
"That's wonderful, Miss! We servants would like to learn!"
Please instruct our servants.
Lu Qingqing smiled and nodded.
She walked to the cutting board.
She gently rolled up her sleeves.
First, I picked up a piece of pork belly with alternating layers of fat and lean meat.
Then, with practiced skill, he chopped it into small cubes the size of pomegranate seeds.
She explained as she chopped the meat:
"When cutting this meat, you need to make sure it's all the same size."
This will make the lion's head meatballs taste better.
Spring orchids, autumn chrysanthemums, summer lotuses, and winter plums all gathered around Lu Qingqing, observing her intently.
His eyes were fixed on Lu Qingqing's movements.
I was afraid of missing any detail.
After cutting the meat into small cubes,
Lu Qingqing put it in a large basin.
Add the scallion and ginger water, salt, cooking wine, light soy sauce, and cornstarch in that order.
Then he started stirring vigorously with both hands.
She spoke as she stirred.
"When stirring, be sure to do it in one direction only."
This allows the minced meat to fully absorb the seasonings.
It became more powerful.
Xia He said eagerly:
"Miss, let me try."
Lu Qingqing smiled and offered her her seat.
Patiently guide from the sidelines:
"Yes, stir it like that, a little harder."
After mixing the minced meat, Lu Qingqing began demonstrating how to make meatballs.
She took a suitable amount of minced meat from the basin.
Place it in your palm and rub it gently.
In no time, a round dumpling was formed.
"Look, like this, make the meat filling more compact."
Otherwise, it will easily fall apart when cooked.
Everyone got to work.
Chunlan was the first to pick up a ball of minced meat.
I started making the group like Lu Qingqing did.
The resulting balls were not very regular in shape.
She smiled sheepishly.
Lu Qingqing encouraged:
"It's okay, you'll get the hang of it after doing a few more groups."
That's how it is at the beginning.
Qiuju also joined in.
The meatballs from her group were slightly better than Chunlan's.
A hint of joy couldn't help but show on his face.
Xiahe and Dongmei were also diligently making dumplings.
Although the technique is still a bit rusty.
But under Lu Qingqing's patient guidance,
Gradually, progress has been made.
The others learned everything else,
The balls that came out of the dough weren't very regular in shape.
Lu Qingqing then personally guided them to adjust the position.
"Chunlan, apply more pressure with your hand."
"Qiuju, don't rush, take your time."
"Dongmei, not bad, not bad, this one is round and pretty."
The kitchen was filled with laughter and cheerful voices.
Once all the lion's head meatballs were rolled up,
Wang Xiuxiu had almost finished the preparations for cooking.
She wiped her hands and said with a smile:
"Qingqing,
Now we can really show off our skills!
Lu Qingqing nodded and said:
"Sister-in-law, thank you for your hard work."
Let's start cooking now.
Wang Xiuxiu quickly heated the pot.
When the oil in the pan is heated to about 60% of its maximum temperature...
Lu Qingqing carefully placed the lion's head meatballs into the pot.
The lion's head meatballs are then placed in the oil.
The hot oil immediately boiled.
The pot continued to sizzle.
Chunlan, watching nervously from the side, asked:
"Miss, is this burnt?"
Lu Qingqing calmly said:
"Don't worry, this oil is only 60% hot."
As long as we control the heat well, everything will be fine.
Qiuju held a fan and gently fanned herself.
Try to control the size of the stove fire.
In no time, the lion's head meatballs were fried until golden brown.
Lu Qingqing fished them out and set them aside.
Wang Xiuxiu said:
"Qingqing, this looks delicious."
The old lady and the magistrate will surely like it.
Everyone wore satisfied smiles.
Looking forward to the completion of the remaining dishes.
Then, another flurry of activity broke out in the kitchen.
The six women chatted and laughed, helping each other.
Finally, I've prepared these exquisite dozen or so dishes.
This was also the first time Chunlan and the others had experienced this.
Cooking can be so fun and enjoyable!
Chunlan wiped the sweat from her forehead.
He said with a smile:
"I used to think that cooking was just a chore."
Today I'm accompanying the young lady and the madam.
I actually find cooking extremely interesting.
Qiuju chimed in:
"That's right, everyone's working together."
Time flies.
Xia He looked at the table full of delicious food.
He said with great joy:
"Looking at these dishes, I feel a real sense of accomplishment."
Dongmei nodded repeatedly:
"We should learn more about cooking from Miss and Madam in the future."
Lu Qingqing and Wang Xiuxiu exchanged a smile.
Lu Qingqing said:
"As long as everyone works together with one heart and one mind"
I'll be happy doing anything.
Wang Xiuxiu continued:
"Qingqing, the soup will be ready soon."
Why don't you go and call the old lady and the magistrate first?
Lu Qingqing was about to answer "okay,"
Chunlan quickly spoke up,
"Miss, you've been busy for so long."
Let's take a break first.
"This servant will go and wake the old lady up right away."
Lu Qingqing smiled and nodded:
"Thank you, Chunlan. Thank you for your hard work."
Spring orchids bless themselves:
"Miss, you flatter me. This is what I should do."
After all,
He then went briskly to invite the old lady and the county magistrate.
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