SWNOVELXO Chapter 140.2
Curry Rice That’s Delicious Even With Meat Added Later
What Yuuri took out was granulated chicken broth. He sprinkled it into the pot. Since no meat was added this time, the broth was used for umami and richness. It served as a substitute for meat components, hence the choice of chicken broth. By the way, Magg backed off because the broth used was chicken-based. Had it been kelp broth, he might have lunged at the pot.
“Next… since everyone’s off tomorrow, maybe it’s okay to use this…”
Even with the chicken broth adding depth, it still lacked richness, so Yuuri decided to add one more thing. Normally, he would avoid using garlic, considering everyone’s plans for the next day, but today he took it out. He peeled and grated it carefully.
“Yuuri, meat?”
“Nope. It’s for the curry.”
“Garlic…?”
“Grated garlic deepens the flavor. You know how it’s hard to use when you know you’ll meet people the next day, right?”
“…?”
“Garlic leaves a strong smell.”
Magg tilted his head as if to ask, “Is that so?” Yuuri smiled wryly in response. Yes, garlic is delicious, but its smell is intense. While curry spices are strong, garlic’s lingering presence in the mouth surely surpasses them. That’s why Yuuri usually avoids using garlic.
But since everyone said they were off tomorrow, he decided to use it today. The curry, enriched with chicken broth and grated garlic, would surely be delicious even without meat. Yuuri was oddly confident.
Once the carrots were cooked, Yuuri added the potatoes and let it simmer. When the potatoes softened, he added the curry roux to adjust the flavor. Curry is a dish that’s easy to make as long as you have the ingredients. …Though making a large pot requires quite an effort just to chop the vegetables. Considering that, curry isn’t exactly “easy.” Especially when the large pot might be emptied in one meal.
After finishing the salad, preparing plenty of rice for seconds, and grilling the orc meat seasoned with salt and pepper just before dinner, the two completed all preparations. By the way, Yuuri had a hard time stopping Magg from sneaking seconds after tasting the curry. …The chicken broth made it delicious, apparently.
Then, dinner time arrived.
Without the big meat-eaters, dinner was a bit quieter. After all, there was no scramble for side dishes. Still, Yuuri could tell everyone was excited about tonight’s curry rice.
“Today’s curry has no meat, so please add or top it with the separately grilled meat.”
“Delicious.”
“Magg, wait. We haven’t said ‘itadakimasu’ yet, wait.”
“…Delicious?”
“Don’t suck on the spoon!”
While Yuuri explained, Magg, unable to resist the extra-broth curry, was already eating, mouth full. Yuuri’s quip made Magg tilt his head, spoon still in his mouth. Magg’s natural, carefree demeanor often made Yuuri the one to react, showing just how strong Magg was in his own way.
Amid the chaos, everyone finally said “itadakimasu” together, and the meal began. No one objected to the meatless curry. With meat prepared separately, it seemed fine. After all, curry is flavorful enough that some might think it doesn’t need meat.
Smiling at the chorus of “delicious” from around the table, Yuuri reached for the curry. The meatless curry, with chicken broth and garlic, had a light yet rich flavor, different from the meat version. It was delicious even without meat.
“Yuuri-kun.”
“Yes?”
“Why is there no meat in today’s curry?”
“Curry doesn’t necessarily need meat.”
“Really?”
“Yes. There are meatless versions, seafood versions, and more.”
Jake, who was eating the curry faster than usual, perhaps because it was meatless, asked Yuuri, who answered nonchalantly. Indeed, curry has many variations, so there’s no need to insist on meat. Jake nodded in understanding.
Nodding, he then said,
“Next time, when Ireis is here, maybe make a seafood version. She’d love it.”
“Ah.”
“She loves seafood, after all.”
Yuuri laughed at Jake’s suggestion. Ireissia, the mermaid, grew up by the sea and loves seafood. Making a seafood curry would surely make her face light up with joy. Yuuri sincerely thanked Jake for the great idea.
Meanwhile, the others were surprised by their exchange. Jake, the epitome of a slacker, had said something genuinely helpful, which was hard to believe. Given his usual behavior, this treatment was self-inflicted.
Amid the commotion, Magg was the only one silently eating curry rice. The extra-broth curry seemed to suit his taste. While occasionally eating orc meat, Magg’s small body somehow managed to take multiple servings of curry, leaving everyone wondering where it all went.
Perhaps influenced by Magg, the other members also enjoyed the delicious curry, and the large pot was nearly emptied by the end of the meal.
By the way, when the big meat-eaters returned and learned about the curry made in their absence, they were deeply regretful. Yuuri thought it likely that he’d be making curry again soon. Curry rice is just that popular.