Ariel's Seaweed Salad

Ariel's Seaweed Salad

Ariel was walking down a large hallway; afternoon sunlight was filtering through the glass panes of the windows to her right. She reached the staircase and headed down the stairs, her destination nearly in her sights. Though she knew the disappointment that waited for her there, it had been a few months since her marriage to Prince Eric and she was living her happily ever after. There was only one problem.

 “Princess Ariel! How wonderful to see you! What can I get for you this afternoon?” Chef Louis asked setting down the knife he was using to chop vegetables.

 The kitchen was wide and open a fireplace roared in one corner and tables lined the walls, covered with a range of ingredients and utensils. It was impressive and Ariel always enjoyed the smells that would waft through the doors.

 She walked over and looked down at the food he was working with. Some strange red thing that was oozing out slowly, it looked squishy like sea sponge, and probably tasted like a sponge as well.

“What is that you’re cutting?” she asked leaning over the table.

Chef Louis offered half of it to her, “Taste it.”

This wasn’t the first time Ariel had visited his kitchen, he’d yet to see her really enjoy anything. Ariel took the strange red food and took a large bite. Good manners kept her from letting the bite slide to the floor, and also kept Louis from laughing out loud.

 “Itsh shho good.” She said through clenched teeth, bracing herself Ariel forced herself to swallow.

 Sticking her tongue out she shook off the effects of the taste and turned her attention to the smiling chef across from her. 

“I have a favor to ask.” Ariel said smiling up at him. Eric had told her Chef Louis was very defensive about his kitchen, this was going to take a lot of charm.

“There was a dish I used to eat at home, it was my favorite and I would like to make it for everyone.” Making her smile extra wide she looked up at the French Chef and waited. She could see the inner struggle within him, wanting to say no that a kitchen was no place for a princess and his friendship with her.

“Please.”

He sighed knowing he had lost this battle. “Of course Princess, let me know how I can assist you in any way.”

 Ariel was already heading for the door, “I’ll be back with the ingredients soon!” she yelled from the door way.

Trying not to run Ariel made her way through the castle that had become her home, making her way out side she started to run when she saw her old home the sea. Diving in she swam a bit outward and then dove down, swimming was still second nature to her. Reaching down she grabbed handfuls of seaweed before heading back to the surface. After she had collected enough she gathered it up and walked her way back to the kitchen.

 Laughing at the shocked face of Louis as she set her large pile of seaweed on one of the unused tables, “Don’t touch it yet Chef I’ll be back after I’ve changed my clothes!” Chef Louis stood there shocked, staring at the mess she had plopped on in his kitchen.

Ariel had quickly left the kitchen but it felt like only moments before she was rushing back in dry clothes. “Ok I only need a few things will you help me gather them?”

 The question woke Louis from his trance and he helped Ariel get what she needed. He watched her while she prepared her food, not wanting to tell her that it was bound to taste atrocious. They made enough for everyone to have it with their dinner tonight and Ariel couldn’t resist stealing a bite before dinner.

“I better see it at dinner tonight Louis, I worked hard.” Ariel said smiling while washing her hands. The finished product sat in a bowl and Louis gave it an untrusting glance. “Oh it will be there Princess, but it may return to kitchen.”

Later that evening Prince Eric and Ariel walked together to the dining room. “How did your plan go today?” he asked.

  “Oh you’ll see soon.” She said grinning.

Arriving to dinner they were seated at the table along with other members of the castle. The roar of conversation was comforting, though once the food was brought it stopped altogether. It was green and stringy and a sweet smell rose from it. Ariel saw the shock one every face at the table. Taking a fork she spared it a glance to remember the first time she had used one, and took a bite.

“My wife made this dish herself.” Eric commented gathering a bit on his fork as well. The rest of the table soon followed suit. It was chilled and sweet, a bit chewy but very tasty. The texture was interesting and different and Ariel waited in anticipation to see if anyone wanted to spit it out. The surprise was apparent and everyone quickly took another bite.

 “This is amazing Princess!” One guest commented.

“My wife is full of surprises I must say this is delicious.” Eric praised. Ariel smiled and took another bite, finally eating something she truly enjoyed. The food on land was different and its taking some getting used to.

 “What’s this dish called?” someone asked.

 “Seaweed salad,” Ariel answered taking another bite. Knowing she would now have her favorite food on land made her new life even more perfect than before. 

Recipe

• 3/8 oz dried seaweed (wakame)
• 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (without seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon finely grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

INSTRUCTIONS

Soak dried wakame in warm water for about 5-8 minutes Drain and place in a bowl of water. Quickly remove and plunge into cold water
Mix vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and ginger in a bowl until sugar is dissolved.
Mix wakame and dressing.
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and scallions
Chill in fridge prior to serving

Then Enjoy!