FE 2024 Prompt Table 2 Fill #34 - Kitchen

[innitmarvelous_og]

"All right, Dr. Stark, for today's lesson we will cover a foundation of Indian cuisine, which is curry," Jiya proclaimed, her tone authoritative as was her point with a wooden spoon, "Now are you ready?"

Morgan snapped an exaggerated salute, "Yes, Master Chef Banerjee! Your student's mind is but an empty vessel, and it is ready to absorb your great, infinite culinary wisdom."

Jiya batted his arm playfully as she tried to stifle a laugh, "You are very lucky that you're cute, because that little sloppy salute deserves kitchen demerits."

She pointed him in the direction of the counter where an array of vibrant spices, herbs, and veggies were laid out at the ready. As she listed off the ingredients one by one, he repeated them with a furrowed brow.

"Now, the most important step in making the perfect curry is for the cook to take the time to bloom the spices," Jiya explained as she poured some oil into a saucepan. She glanced at Morgan with a nod, who in turn tossed in cumin, cardamon, cinnamon, and all other parts.

The aromas were heady as they wafted throughout the kitchen, making Morgan's eyes go wide with appreciation, "Wow... I didn't know something to simple could turn into such an experience!"

Jiya winked at him, "Just you wait!" She then showed him how to saute the onions and garlic while she stirred into tomato puree. Afterwards she adjusted for consistency and seasonings with experienced precision.

Morgan was in pure awe as he watched her smooth motions, "You make it all look so effortless."

"It's simply years of watching my Mother make this very curry," Jiya said with a smile, her tone wistful, "But the real key is to pour in your love into whatever the food is you are preparing."

She stepped behind Morgan, and wrapped her hands around his so she could guide his hands in the final parts of finishing the curry. He lost himself in the aromas along with the warmth of her embrace.

Sometime later, they were rewarded in their efforts as Jiya ladled the deep ruby-hued curry over a pure white mountain of basmati rice, sprinkling cilantro on top to complete it. She pinched Morgan's cheek affectionately.

"And there we are, my star pupil — your first curry made with our own two hands! Delicious, no?"

As he shoveled an eagerly awaited bite into his mouth, Morgan nodded with a grin as his taste buds exploded in ecstasy.

As he swallowed, he raised an eyebrow at her, "Mastered of the first lesson? I think that's overstating things a little bit, o great and wise chef. But I know that as long as I have you with me to be my lifelong and very personal tutor, I'll be happy to keep trying as long ad it takes to perfect my attempts!"