Braised Pork Ribs with Potatoes

Hagrid led Anduin on a tour of the vegetable garden around the hut. A large variety of vegetables were planted nearby, but according to Hagrid, only a portion was needed to supply Hogwarts. This was because Professor Pomona Sprout had a large greenhouse enchanted with the Extension Charm, where enough ingredients were grown to fully supply Hogwarts's dining needs.

"Every year, I plant a lot of pumpkins before Halloween. Headmistress Sprout comes to cast a 'Growth Charm' on them for the Halloween feast. And look at these lovely broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes, ginger, and cabbage – they're growing so well," Hagrid boasted to Anduin about the garden he managed.

In Anduin's eyes, most of what Hagrid planted were Western vegetables. He didn't even see a single Chinese cabbage. Anduin wasn't very impressed and asked Hagrid about the topic that interested him most.

"Aren't you growing any herbs?" Anduin actually had another plan for visiting Hagrid: to see if he could get some potion ingredients there. It would be even better if there was a stable channel for obtaining herbs.

"Herbs? Aren't there plenty of those in the greenhouse? You know, many herbs are quite dangerous. If you don't grow them professionally, they could even be life-threatening," Hagrid didn't understand why Anduin was asking this question but still answered honestly.

"Is that so? What about the Forbidden Forest? Are there any herbs in there?" Anduin looked up and saw the edge of the Forbidden Forest not far from Hagrid's hut. He asked thoughtfully.

"There are indeed many medicinal herbs in the Forbidden Forest. I even saw quite a few Mandrake Fruits ripening not long ago. However, there are many dangerous creatures in the depths of the Forbidden Forest. Hogwarts even keeps several magical creature habitats in there, like the Hippogriff colony. Approaching them carelessly is very dangerous," Hagrid kindly warned him, seeing Anduin's interest in the Forbidden Forest.

"I understand, Hagrid. Don't worry, I'm just a bit curious. Never mind that, let's get some tomatoes and ginger, oh, and potatoes. I'll show you my skills. It's been a while since I had a proper meal."

Anduin was planning in his mind to study Potions when he got back, choosing some potions with simple ingredients, and seeing if he could get some materials in the Forbidden Forest.

Anduin and Hagrid brought some vegetables into the house. Anduin prepared to cook a pork rib dinner. Fortunately, although the Hogwarts's wild boar ribs were very large, Hagrid's pot was also not small.

Anduin examined the huge slab of pork ribs, touching and squeezing them, then nodded. The meat of these magical creatures was very tough, but like Dragon Meat, it didn't spoil easily. It was also frozen with a Freezing Charm, and he could still see traces of blood between the bones.

"It seems ordinary pan-frying or stir-frying won't work, and getting the flavor in will be a big problem," Anduin mused, looking at the ribs. Each rib was as thick as a grown man's arm, making Anduin ponder how to make them delicious.

There were 8 long ribs in the slab, and Anduin and Hagrid couldn't eat that much in one meal. Anduin asked Hagrid to help cut off two ribs and repeatedly used a Cutting Charm to chop the ribs into small pieces. After washing them, he put them in a large basin. Anduin personally mixed a large bowl of seasoning and poured it into the basin to marinate the ribs.

After repeated marination, he lit the fire. Hagrid had a large pot at home, like a cauldron without feet. Anduin set up the pot, added oil and ginger and garlic, then poured in the large basin of ribs to stir-fry them first. Once fragrant, he added water to cover the ingredients, then put on the lid and waited.

Hagrid watched Anduin's operations with some anticipation. When Anduin started stir-frying the meat, the aroma made his mouth water uncontrollably.

Hagrid peeled potatoes nearby while waiting, and meanwhile, Anduin, having put the lid on the large pot, came over to help and chat.

"Hagrid, do you think you could set aside a piece of land next to your garden for me? I'd like to grow some things too," Anduin asked Hagrid with a grin.

"Of course, no problem. I can help you grow whatever you want. Come visit me anytime," Hagrid readily agreed. He thought he would definitely have good food to eat in the future.

A large pot of ribs emitted a continuous aroma, constantly tempting the two men inside. After simmering for over an hour, Anduin tasted the seasoning and saw that the ribs were basically tender. He then added the potatoes, onions, and other ingredients, added a little more water, and continued to cook for nearly half an hour.

Soon, this large pot of Braised Pork Ribs with Potatoes was finished. When the lid was opened, the contents were bubbling in a bright, savory sauce. Anduin and Hagrid could no longer resist. Each of them scooped a large bowl and began to eat heartily.

"Ah, that's the life..." Anduin said, patting his round belly and sitting back contentedly. He hadn't eaten anything good in a long time. The food at Hogwarts was not bad, but the dishes were very simple. Only the British could stand eating the same things every day.

Hagrid was still eating heartily on the side, praising Anduin's cooking skills as he ate. Anduin smiled with great satisfaction. Having someone appreciate his culinary skills was also a kind of happiness.

While Hagrid was finishing up, Anduin borrowed paper and a pen from Hagrid's house and started sketching. Soon, Hagrid had contentedly drunk the last bit of soup. The two sat by the table, chatting about everyday matters.

Time passed quickly. Cooking and dining took a long time. Anduin saw that it was already dark outside and that it was close to curfew. He decided to bid farewell to Hagrid.

"Hagrid, are you going to Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley anytime soon?" Anduin asked.

"I'll be going to Hogsmeade in a few days to buy some things. Why?" Hagrid, though unsure why Anduin was asking, answered honestly.

"Do me a favor and see if you can help me collect the current selling prices of potions, as well as the current purchase prices of herbs. Also, could you ask a craftsman to make this for me?" Anduin hadn't forgotten his potion-making plan and wanted to check the current potion market. At the same time, he handed Hagrid a piece of parchment, which was what Anduin had just drawn in the room.

On the paper was a drawing of a large iron pot and a spatula. Anduin had also marked specifications such as size, diameter, and thickness.

"What is this?" Hagrid asked, looking at the drawing.

"This is a piece of cookware, used for cooking. With this, I can make some other delicious food here later," Anduin explained.

Hagrid readily agreed to help. As for the potion prices, although Hagrid wasn't sure what Anduin was planning, he also promised to help.

Thank you all for your recommendation tickets and collections!