Eggplant Doesn't Have to Be Fried to Be Delicious
Eggplant is a culinary ingredient far too precious to simply blanch and season. The moment you steam and dress it, its mushy, slimy texture turns it into the ultimate dinner table dealbreaker—the bane of children and picky eaters alike. In Korea, it was a notoriously disparaged vegetable, often subjected to crude wordplay where its name was swapped with a certain vulgarity. There is a reason people prefer to stir-fry it in intense sauces like yuxiang eggplant, or coat it in potato starch and deep-fry it to make di san xian. But baking it in a stone oven? Now, that is a true delicacy.
When I served the baked eggplant topped with cheese to the three of them, Seonwoo Seol was, unsurprisingly, the first to react.
"Is that jeho sprinkled on top?"
"Yes. Take a bite, and you'll be amazed."
I decided to name the dish Jehogogaja—Baked Eggplant with Jeho. But, you know, with a hearty helping of minced beef and tomatoes on the side.
Everyone picked up their chopsticks and took a generous bite of the thick eggplant.
"Don't chew just yet. Try pulling the eggplant away like this."
"...?"
With the eggplant still in her mouth, Seonwoo Seol tilted her head in confusion at my sudden instruction. But she complied, slowly moving the eggplant away from her lips.
"...!"
As the melted cheese on top stretched out in a long, gooey string, her eyes widened in sheer bewilderment. Heh. Never seen anything like that before, have you?
Seeing this, Man Hanseok immediately followed suit. Even the timid Gongson Yeongji pulled her eggplant back just a tiny bit, her deer-like eyes growing as round as saucers.
"Whoa."
"Can all jeho do this?"
"Only this specific kind of jeho stretches like this. Any other kind would snap immediately."
Of course, I hadn't made this baked eggplant just to show off a neat cheese trick. Thanks to the combination of tomatoes and beef, the heavy, savory richness of the meat blended perfectly with the vibrant umami of the tomatoes and the subtle, natural sweetness of the eggplant. It created a distinctly Western flavor profile, something rarely tasted in the Central Plains. On top of that, I had added bitter melon—known here as gogwa—which lent a pleasant, sophisticated bitterness to the dish, elevating it to a mature, high-end culinary experience.
Baked eggplant was a common enough dish in the Central Plains, but none of them had ever seen it prepared like this. Watching them eat so happily felt like a soothing balm to my soul, washing away the exhaustion of dealing with the petty tyranny of the Murim Alliance's chefs.
"The gogwa and the seohongsi perfectly balance out the richness of the jeho, don't they?"
"Since jeho isn't a very familiar ingredient around here, people don't realize it, but it actually pairs beautifully with tomatoes."
Seonwoo Seol offered her critique while politely covering her mouth with her hand—though she couldn't quite hide her cheeks, which were puffed out like a squirrel's.
I was planning to make another cheese-heavy dish for the upcoming banquet. And when it came to cheese, there was one absolute, undisputed king of dishes.
"Ah, that was so good..."
Seonwoo Seol rubbed her stomach with a deeply satisfied expression. It was funny how the exact same gesture looked so charming on her, yet so repulsive when Dong Gyeongdo did it.
Meanwhile, Gongson Yeongji was leaning back in her chair with an equally content look on her face. I turned to her.
"The bitter melon must have made it a bit bitter. Did you enjoy it, Yeongji?"
"I think... the bitterness actually made it taste even better..."
"My, Yeongji has the palate of a mature adult."
"I enjoyed it too, so why aren't you asking me?" Man Hanseok grumbled, looking slightly miffed.
I shrugged. "Whether it's delicious or terrible, your only reaction is always just, 'Mmm!' and then you inhale it. There's no satisfaction in feeding you."
"Well, that's true, but... still, please ask me next time."
"We'll see."
Despite his massive, intimidating frame, he really was a gentle giant at heart.
Feeling pleased, I stood up to head back to my quarters, only for a plump figure to suddenly pop out from the shadows.
"...Cafeteria Master?"
"I-I am deeply sorry, Samjeolsuksu."
The man blocking my path was none other than Dong Gyeongdo. I was about to ignore him and walk past, but then he did something completely unexpected.
"Please, forgive me!"
I gasped in shock as Dong Gyeongdo dropped to his knees on the dirt ground and bowed his head low.
"What is the meaning of this sudden display?"
"I-I heard everything! I heard that a lethal poison was almost unleashed in the ice house! If that poison had actually been distributed, countless warriors of the Murim Alliance would have been in grave danger!"
Dong Gyeongdo pressed his forehead against the ground once more.
"Blinded by petty jealousy and envy, I committed a terrible sin. But I, too, am a hall leader of the Murim Alliance, where the prestigious orthodox sects gather. Only now have I realized the sheer gravity of my foolish actions."
Seeing a man who had clung so stubbornly to his pride drop to his knees made me believe his sincerity, but I had my own pride to consider. I tried to sidestep him, but Gongson Yeongji gently tugged on my sleeve, looking up at me with pleading, sorrowful eyes. Her gaze seemed to beg me to give him one more chance, leaving me with no choice but to scratch the back of my head in frustration.
It couldn't have been easy for a grown man of his age to kneel like this, especially in front of a young child. Well, it's not like he's kneeling just to build up momentum for a surprise leap at my throat.
I patted Gongson Yeongji on the head, then reached down to grab Dong Gyeongdo by the shoulders and pull him up.
"Anyone can make a mistake, but recognizing one's fault and sincerely apologizing for it is a far more difficult task. Please, stand up."
"...I am truly, deeply sorry, Samjeolsuksu."
Seeing a middle-aged man with tears welling up in his eyes was rather pitiful. Fine, let's let bygones be bygones. It wasn't as if he had committed a capital offense. I'd just assume he had eaten a bad egg and temporarily lost his mind.
"On one condition: on the day of the summit, there will be no sabotage or petty rivalry. You must help me unconditionally. Deal?"
"D-Deal?"
"It means, do you accept my terms?"
"O-Of course I accept! Unconditionally!"
Pat, pat.
I gave his shoulder a reassuring pat. Dong Gyeongdo nodded vigorously, looking at me with eyes that held a completely different light than before.
A few days later, in the late morning.
The Imcheondang of the Murim Alliance was bustling with an unusual crowd. It was only natural, as the grand "Mobilization Summit" that would decide the future of the Murim Alliance was scheduled to begin today. Standing before the main gates of the Imcheondang, the alliance guards murmured among themselves as they watched the giants of the martial world file inside.
"Who is that monk entering now?"
"That is Grandmaster Jinshin of Shaolin. He is famous for his Hundred-Step Divine Fist."
"And over there is Abbess Aryeon Satae of Emei, followed by Daoist Master Myeonghyeon of Mount Hua... Oh, look! It's the Alliance Leader!"
"His complexion looks far worse than when I saw him a few months ago."
"With the martial world in such turmoil lately, he must have a mountain of worries on his shoulders."
The leaders of the righteous factions streamed into the Imcheondang. High-ranking figures of the Nine Great Sects and One Union, along with representatives of the Five Great Noble Families, arrived one after another. Once the hall was filled, all eyes turned toward the man seated at the head of the table.
If the word "sternness" were to take human form, it would look exactly like him. Possessing an incredibly intense presence, he filled the entire room with a heavy, disciplined pressure. His identity was none other than—
"..."
The Murim Alliance Leader, Du Yeonbu.
One of the Sajon—the four strongest masters of the current era—and known by the fearsome title of the Sword Sovereign, he silently swept his gaze across the room.
"I see everyone has arrived."
While the others nodded in solemn silence, Mong Bullak, the Chief of the Beggar's Sect, ran his fingers along the edge of the table and smirked.
"It seems the letter sent by my sect was quite persuasive."
"Of course it was. It was a scathing critique of the current state of our alliance," Du Yeonbu replied.
"If you knew that, you shouldn't have let things deteriorate so badly. It is a stroke of luck that the chef was willing to let it slide. Had he been a loud, vindictive sort, this would have turned into a massive scandal."
"It was my oversight."
When Du Yeonbu readily admitted his fault, Mong Bullak gave a subtle nod of approval. As expected of the man chosen to lead the alliance in these turbulent times. He is quick to concede when he is wrong.
"Taking advantage of this gathering," Du Yeonbu continued, "there is one matter I must bring to the attention of our esteemed fellow daoists representing their respective sects."
"...?"
"Do you all remember the incident at Noksa?"
At the mere mention of the word "Noksa," the representatives of the Nine Great Sects and One Union and the Five Great Noble Families erupted into a clamor.
"How could we ever forget that incident!"
"Heavens, to think he would bring up that dark chapter."
"Has something similar occurred once again?"
"Amitabha..."
"Quiet, everyone. Silence."
As Mong Bullak stepped in to restore order, the room fell silent once more, waiting for Du Yeonbu to speak.
"What was the very reason the Murim Alliance was formed? Was it not because of the tragedy at Noksa, which drew the heavy suspicion of the Imperial Court upon the entire martial world?"
At his words, a heavy silence descended. Some let out low groans, while others stared down at the floor, unable to meet his gaze.
"The assassin who murdered Prince Yang at Noksa has still not been identified, and the only clues we have point directly to us, the people of the Jianghu."
"..."
"Furthermore, the Eastern Depot, the eyes and ears of the Imperial Court, is still watching us with predatory intensity, looking for any excuse to tear us apart. Is there anyone here who does not know that this alliance was forged precisely to deny them that excuse?"
Clack.
Du Yeonbu took a sip from the water cup on the table and set it down lightly.
"A few days ago, a lethal poison was discovered in one of the alliance's kitchens."
"...!"
The room stirred with shock, but Du Yeonbu's calm demeanor quickly restored order.
"Fortunately, thanks to a righteous individual, the plot was thwarted before it could bear fruit. However, we cannot expect such luck to strike twice. We must bolster our defenses."
Thud!
Unlike before, Du Yeonbu set his cup down with a sharp, heavy force. Closing his eyes, he spoke in a low, resonant voice.
"First. I view this poison as a warning. It is clear evidence and a warning that the peace of the current martial world is no longer secure."
The representatives of the Nine Great Sects and One Union and the Five Great Noble Families nodded in deep agreement. Among those gathered here, there was not a single person who had not recently suffered from the provocations and attacks of the unorthodox factions, nor was anyone ignorant of the suffering of the common folk.
"In times like these, our alliance must stand united. I trust you all understand this. Especially those of you who have sent your sons, daughters, or cherished disciples to the Mutual Righteousness Academy."
"..."
"I expect you to discipline your own people—whether at the academy, within the alliance, or within your own clans and sects—to ensure no one acts in a way that sows discord. Surely, no one here has forgotten the purpose for which the Mutual Righteousness Academy was founded."
At those words, several clan leaders with unruly children and sect representatives with troublemaking disciples winced. Du Yeonbu's message was clear: Keep a tight leash on your children and disciples so that no scandalous rumors arise, whether at the academy or anywhere else.
Mong Bullak smirked and chimed in. "Indeed, as the Alliance Leader says, it would be utterly preposterous for members of the prestigious orthodox sects to deliberately incite discord or engage in verbal abuse and insults. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Ahem."
As Mong Bullak pointedly stared at the representative of the Kongtong Sect, the man cleared his throat and quickly looked away.
Having delivered his stern warning, Du Yeonbu returned to his usual dignified composure and proceeded with the meeting.
"Though we have gathered under the banner of a mobilization summit, I did not bring you here merely to lecture you as the Alliance Leader. Please, speak your minds freely."
It was a bit hypocritical to tell them to speak freely right after giving them a thorough scolding, but naturally, no one dared to protest against the Sword Sovereign. After a brief moment of hesitation, Dang Mieon, the Poison Dragon, cautiously broke the ice, and the summit finally got underway.
"Considering that the poison discovered this time is linked to the Great Demon of the Northern Yuan..."
And so, the discussions dragged on until evening.
"Didn't you say they started first thing in the morning? And it's still not over?"
At my question, Dong Gyeongdo nodded. "Apparently, there are far too many topics to cover. I heard they were only served light refreshments for lunch."
Setting aside Dong Gyeongdo's remarkably submissive attitude, this meant I needed to prepare a much larger quantity of food than usual. Since they had barely scraped by on a light lunch, they would undoubtedly be craving a hearty, filling meal.
"In that case, we need to make the evening banquet exceptionally lavish... What are your plans, Cafeteria Master?"
"I have already instructed my staff to increase the portions. What kind of dish do you plan to prepare, Samjeolsuksu?"
"You'll see."
I began by preparing the dough, much like when making scallion pancakes. A good dough required yeast, but there was absolutely no way to obtain powdered yeast in the Central Plains. Cultivating wild yeast from scratch would take far too long.
Fortunately, there was a perfect substitute: hwangju.
It was a traditional yellow rice wine, similar to Korean *takju*. Remembering that one of my grandmother's specialties was traditional steamed rice wine bread, I decided to use *hwangju* as a fermenting agent. I added just enough to give the dough a light, airy rise, then mixed in the leftover whey from making the cheese. Finally, I tossed in a pinch of salt and a drizzle of honey.
Leaving the dough to ferment in a cool spot, I set to work on the tomato sauce.
"I can't believe I'm actually making tomato sauce in the Central Plains... The things I do."
"Hmm? Did you say something?"
"Oh, nothing. Just talking to myself. My situation just struck me as a bit funny."
"Why would the situation of the great Samjeolsuksu, who received his title from the Chief of the Beggar's Sect himself, be funny?" Dong Gyeongdo asked, looking utterly baffled.
I'd gladly throw away the title if it meant I could go back to 21st-century Korea.
My tongue itched to say it, but I simply offered a wry smile and began blanching the tomatoes in boiling water.
After peeling the blanched tomatoes, I tossed finely chopped garlic and onions into a pan with oil. Once they turned translucent and fragrant, I added the tomatoes and sautéed them together. Next, I threw in some wild chervil, let the mixture simmer gently until it thickened, and finished it off with a pinch of salt and a touch of honey.
"May I try a taste? I have never seen seohongsi used as a sauce before."
"Go ahead."
Dong Gyeongdo dipped the tip of his chopstick into the sauce and tasted it. A look of pure astonishment washed over his face, followed by a dry chuckle.
"My... this is remarkable. It is no exaggeration to call this a concentrated bomb of umami."
"It's also delicious if you toss it with minced beef and boiled noodles."
"That... sounds absolutely divine."
Having just had his culinary horizons expanded, Dong Gyeongdo nodded in deep admiration.
Once the dough was fully fermented, I rolled it out into a wide circle, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce over it, and began layering various toppings.
"We'll add salted olives harvested from Guangdong, cured pork belly made from Sichuan's Rongchang pigs, field mushrooms from Shaanxi, and a generous handful of water caltrops from Anhui."
I decided to add water caltrops for their crisp texture. When finely chopped, they provided a wonderful crunch and a sweet, corn-like flavor that paired beautifully with the other ingredients.
With the flour sourced from Shaanxi and the garlic and onions grown right here in Henan, this single dish practically contained the culinary essence of the entire Central Plains.
"Must you pile on so many ingredients?"
"For this dish, the more toppings, the better."
Finally, I generously blanketed the top with the jeho—the mozzarella cheese—I had painstakingly prepared the day before, and slid it into the roaring stone oven.
"So, what is the name of this dish?" Dong Gyeongdo asked as we slid several more trays into the oven to ensure there would be enough to feed the massive crowd.
The name? Uh...
"It is called jehobyeong."
A dish never before seen in the Central Plains—a localized, Central Plains-style combination pizza.