Someday Will I Be The Greatest Alchemist?

Chapter 519: Seafood Feast

The day after everyone went out fishing, Sophia and Marnie actually caught quite a number of fish. And adding on the ones that Madam Elizabeth caught, it was decided we would be making all sorts of fish dishes today.

Maria, Maribelle, and Mabel headed to the kitchen.

「What should we make?」

「I was thinking we could make some simple salt grilled fish, carpaccio, and acqua pazza.」

「Acqua pazza?」

「Yup, well, I think it could be done. How about we try making it?」

In addition to the grilled fish and carpaccio, I suggested we try making acqua pazza. Actually, I felt like making sashimi because I have soy sauce, but it doesn’t fit will with carpaccio and acqua pazza, so I tearfully gave up.

Maria, Maribelle, and Mabel were in charge of the salt grilled fish and carpaccio. I started on the acqua pazza.

I seasoned the fish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

I poured some olive oil in a frying pan and waited for it to heat up.

I sautéed garlic and anchovies with some capers, olives, and dried tomatoes.

I added manila clams and mussels, then deglazed it with white wine. I waited until the alcohol evaporated and the shells opened, then I added the herbs and water.

After that, I poached the fish for 15 minutes low and slow so it wouldn’t scorch, and it was pretty much done.

I think it looks somewhat authentic..

「……mm, what a nice flavor.」

「The water and wine make this taste better.」

「Fish and shellfish make a very pleasant broth.」

Furthermore, it felt like something that was done on tv, it became delicious because of how well the inosinic acid in the dried tomatoes and the glutamic acid in the fish mix together to enhance the umami.

「Oh yeah. Should we deep fried fish too?」

「Deep fried food, I see. The method of frying food by using plenty of oil was something I never would have never thought of until today.」

「But it’s delicious, isn’t it?」

「Yes. It feels as though I would get fat if I ate too much of it though.」

I asked for the white fish to be taken from the Refrigerator MD, cut them up into appropriate sizes, seasoned it with salt and pepper then covered it in flour, then into a beaten egg, and covered it with breadcrumbs, then I fried it.

I left the frying to Maria, while I made a tartar sauce.

There’s mayonnaise in the fridge as well as stocks of it in my Item Box, so I asked Marnie to boil some eggs, while I chopped up minced some onion and pickles.

I roughly chopped the boiled eggs and mixed it into the mayonnaise and then added the minced pickles and onions, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and a bit of sugar until it was well incorporated.

I tried the completed tartar sauce with Maria and Marnie.

「U-」

「What’s wrong? Is there something weird about it?」

「This is delicious!」

「You looked surprised though, Maria.」

「That’s because it was too tasty! Marnie-san, you think so too, don’t you!?」

「Yes. This is a flavor that I never would have tasted in the village.」

Maria’s exaggerated reaction had me worried, but I have no problems with it if it tasted good.

We made mayonnaise regularly, but this was the first time I’ve actually tried making tartar sauce. I’m glad it suits their tastes.

Having tasted the tartar sauce, it made me want to eat Ebifurai (Fried shrimp, not to be confused with tempura). Fried oysters would be nice too. There were all sorts of shrimp circulating the Sanctuary, but I haven’t seen oysters. Do they not exist in this world?

「The taste of tartar sauce made me crave some ebifurai, so I’m going out to buy some shrimp.」

「Ebifurai…… that sounds nice. I have no doubt it would taste amazing.」

「If Takumi-sama teleports, he’ll be back in an instant. Please buy plenty.」

「Roger.」

Nudged in the back by Maria and Marnie, I teleported to the Mermaids’ fish market.

「Ah, Takumi-san, welcome. Takumi-san, it’s been a while since you’ve visited. Lately it’s only been the maids who come by.」

「Hello there. I’m in a bit of a hurry today. These shrimp…… could I have about 50 of them? Please.」

「Please wait a moment. I’ll pack it up immediately.」

I bought the shrimp from the Mermaid oneechan, and I hurriedly teleported back to the kitchen.

「I’m back.」

「「Welcome back.」」

Without delay, everyone helped out to shell and devein the shrimp, then we cut the tips of the tail diagonally and scrape the tail so it doesn’t splatter in the oil.

After that, I massaged in the salt, then coated it in some potato starch and massaged it in some more. I rinsed it off with water, drained the water, then made several cuts on its belly side. I then pressed down on the muscles till it snaps to extend it. Now the shrimp would stay straight while frying.

From there, I battered and fried it the same way I did with the white fish.

「Okay! It’s done!」

「Then Master, Madams, please wait in the dining room.」

「We leave the rest to you.」

We entrusted the table setting to the maids and headed to the dining room, and everyone was already waiting in their seats.

The seafood dishes served were well liked by everyone.

The one who ate the most was Kaede who caught none.

「Master, Kaede wants to fish too!」

「Mhmm, you should come with us next time.」

I’d be in trouble if they said the wanted to go tomorrow, after all.

***