Republic of China: Guandong Ginseng King

Chapter 20: Stewed River Fish

Guandong is a vast mountainous area with a sparse population and abundant resources. There is not much environmental pollution these days, and there are quite a lot of fish in the Yalu River.

Qu Shaoyang, Dazhuzi and others wandered around the riverside for more than half an hour and reaped a rich harvest.

Not only were the two wooden barrels filled to the brim, but a number of fish were also pierced with willow twigs.

In the end, there was really no more food to carry, so everyone reluctantly returned to their beds.

It was only the end of the afternoon and the heavy rain had stopped long ago.

The sun came out from behind the clouds, and the sunlight was reflected on the surface of the river. The golden light swayed with the water, causing sparkling waves.

The woodcutters were thinking about eating fish, so they all came over to help. Some went to collect firewood, some helped to set up the stove, and some helped to kill and clean the fish.

"Lenghu'er, do you still want the internal organs in the fish's belly? Throw them away?"

Dalin took a short knife in his hand and gutted the fish, then he took out the fish's internal organs and threw them aside.

"Don't throw it all away, save the fish oil and fish bladder.

Don’t throw away the leftover fish intestines, gills, etc. Put them in a pile, let them air out for a while, and then burn them in the stove to avoid the strong fishy smell that attracts flies. "

Qu Shaoyang saw Dalin throwing fish intestines everywhere and said hurriedly.

"Hey, you're the only one who's careful, why do you care so much? How dirty can the riverside be?

Wait for the river water to come up and wash away everything."

Dalin didn't care. He cleaned the fish in his hand, threw it into the basin, and went to kill other fish.

"That's right, that's right. Dalin is right. We're leaving tomorrow. Who cares if it smells fishy or not?"

Zhao Da Kui was also helping to clean the fish. After hearing the conversation between Dalin and Qu Shaoyang, Zhao Da Kui also helped Dalin.

Qu Shaoyang just reminded him, but Dalin didn't listen, so he didn't say much.

There are so many fish. If no one helps him to work, how long will it take him to finish the work by himself?

Forget it, let them do whatever they want. Some things cannot be explained to them clearly. Qu Shaoyang was too lazy to say anything and couldn’t care less.

Several people worked together to gut, scale and clean the two large basins of fish.

Over there, a fire was already burning under the big pot, and Ermaozi brushed the big iron pot inside and out several times as instructed.

Qu Shaoyang took out a small jar filled with lard from the flower shed on the raft.

Ever since that time they ate the pig's head, everyone agreed to improve the quality of their daily meals.

At least we can't eat pickled cabbage and salted beans every day, right? At least we can have something more oily and watery.

They have worked so hard all day and are exhausted. How can they work if they have no food in their stomachs?

Anyway, in the end, all these food and drinks will be deducted from their salaries, so they should eat and drink as they should. If they are too stingy, they will only suffer losses.

Everyone made the unanimous request, and the head waiter and the second waiter could not object.

So when passing by a market town, Qu Shaoyang went to the pig butcher early in the morning, bought some lard, and boiled a small jar of lard.

We may not stop at any place along the way, and we may not be able to buy meat every time. When simmering the lard, add a little salt. As long as it is not too hot, it can be preserved for a long time.

Heat the pan and scoop some lard into the pan to melt.

Although there is no stir-fried onion and garlic, it is not difficult for people who know how to cook, as there are many good things in the wild.

Wild onions, wild leeks, and garlic chives can be found everywhere. Just pick some, wash and chop them, and use them as chopped green onions.

In addition, Qu Shaoyang also found some wild perilla seedlings and Schisandra chinensis vines, both of which have the effect of removing fishy smell and enhancing freshness.

Especially the wild sesame, which is the soul ingredient of fish stew, it tastes better if you add more. Add the seasonings to the pot and stir-fry until fragrant, then add river water, salt, soybean paste, and wine to the pot, then put the fish in and boil it over high heat, then simmer it slowly over low heat.

Put a grate made of sorghum stalks in the pot, knead the kneaded cornmeal into a ball, pat it on the grate and the edge of the pot, and then cover the pot.

The same process was done in the other pot. There was no other way. There were 20 or 30 people, and if there was less food, there wouldn't be enough to eat.

"Good fellow, Leng Huer, are you planning to prepare a grand feast? This little dish you prepared is really tempting.

"What time can we eat? I'm so hungry." The aroma of stewed fish wafted into the noses of the gang members, and someone shouted loudly.

"It's almost there, it will be about two quarters of an hour or so, just bear with it, I'll let you eat as much as you want later." Qu Shaoyang replied with a smile.

"Second counter, you have a pocket watch, please calculate the time. Oh, I can't wait any longer." A waiter called out to Li Yongfu loudly.

Li Yongfu is the brother-in-law of the big shop assistant, and can also be considered as the big shop assistant's agent, earning more money than the waiters.

He had a home in Andong City and lived a pretty good life. It was normal for him to have a pocket watch.

Li Yongfu was delighted when he heard this. "Okay, I'll keep an eye on it for you guys. I'll make sure it doesn't delay your fish feast."

Everyone laughed.

Li Yongfu is a nice guy. Although he is the second clerk, he is not as arrogant and domineering as others. On the contrary, he can get along well with Mu Ba and does not put on airs.

Although he represents the counter and sometimes stands at a different angle from the wooden handles, most of the time, he is quite considerate of the wooden handles and never treats them harshly.

This is also the reason why the guys can get along well with Li Yongfu and even joke with him at any time.

After more than two quarters of an hour, the fire at the bottom of the pot gradually went out. Qu Shaoyang walked forward and lifted the lid of the pot.

You will see the golden pancakes in the pan shining with oil, and the fragrant smell will make you salivate.

Everyone swarmed over, each holding their own large bowl.

At this time, I don’t care whether it is hot or not. I just take a pancake in my hand and take a big bite.

The pancake was soaked in the flavor of fish soup, it was full of flavor and fragrant.

Qu Shaoyang took out the wok grate, sprinkled some chopped wild onions and wild leeks into the pot, and then gently turned the fish in the pot to allow the aroma of the wild vegetables to permeate more evenly.

A fish was placed in each person's bowl, along with some fish soup. Then everyone held their bowl, squatted anywhere, and started eating.

“Oh, this fish stew is so delicious, this is how people should live.

Damn it, whenever I think about the years when I used to float rafts and eat cornstarch, pickled vegetables, and fermented soybeans every day, I feel like crying.

Lenghuer, next time you go to a rafting place, remember to invite us, if for no other reason than to have some comfort food."

There was that old wooden handle, holding the bowl and eating, while sighing.

"It's a pity that now is not the right time. Otherwise, let Leng Huer act as Bao Gong beheading the imperial consort for us.

With Leng Huer's cooking skills, it must be very delicious." At the other end, Lao Sun, the tail boatman, said.

Bao Gong Beheading the Prince Consort is the most famous dish in Paibang, which is actually stewed river fish with black rice.

Black rice usually grows on corn or sorghum and is a plant pathogen.

The black rice from sorghum is tender and delicious when it is immature. It can be eaten raw or stewed, and many people love to eat it.

The taste of fish stewed with black rice is unique. The fragrance of black rice can cover the fishy smell of fish, while the deliciousness of fish can be absorbed into the black rice.

Moreover, black rice is warm in nature, can warm the body and stomach, and can also prevent mosquito bites, which is very useful.

(End of this chapter)