#liquid turmeric

[morethansalad]

Homemade Vegan Deli Meat

[nsharks]

bleeding blue | apocalypse au

part thirty-one —other parts

pairing: Simon “Ghost” Riley x fem!reader words: 4.8k tags: death. blood and gore. zombies of course. AFAB reader. single dad ghost. enemies to lovers. SA and implication of child SA (very subtle). summary: After losing your companions, you run into a skull-masked man and his daughter. They are your last hope for survival. a/n: if anything regarding the abuse or suffering of children, or SA, triggers you do not read. I wanted to tell you so there are no surprises.

The world sharpens as your senses return, zeroing in on the empty, crumpled sheet where Blue had lain beside you. She’s gone. Your deadened limbs failed her. Guilt rises, choking your dry throat. When your hands can move, you grab the pillow, pressing it to your face. A few hot tears escape. It smells like her hair.

They took her. 

She's gone— 

A gentle voice speaks, and a hand settles on your shoulder. Only then do you notice your body trembling. You lift your face from the pillow, staring up at Nereida. Her lips move, but her words don’t reach you. Something stirs inside you, deep in your chest, clawing its way toward your mouth. When the door creaks open and Salome steps in with a tray of dinner, it finally bursts free—a roar of pure rage.

“I’ll fucking kill you if you don’t tell me where she is.”

Salome startles, nearly dropping the tray as you fling yourself at the bars.

“I-I understand you’re upset, and I’m sorry we had to subdue you again, but it was only—”

“I don’t give a fuck! Answer me! Where is she?”

Her knuckles whiten around the tray, eyes darting away. “The child has... her own job, as we all do.”

Your lip curls. “Are you brain-dead under that stupid veil? Why take her? She’s a child! Why not one of us?” You lean closer, voice breaking. ��If you want me pregnant so badly, fine! Do it now! Just bring her back—bring her back!”

Salome blinks, unnerved, her composure slipping.

“If you’ve killed her,” you hiss, heat flooding your face, “I swear to God, I’ll kill myself—”

“No!” she interjects, stepping forward, wide-eyed. “Don’t speak like that, I beg you. She... She’s alive. For now.” Her voice drops, reverent. “But Maman has plans for her. You must understand—Maman knows the Lord’s will. It is not our—" her throat bobs with a swallow,"Our place to question her decisions.”

“Alive for now ?” you snap. “What plans does that bitch have for her?”

Salome hesitates. For the first time, she looks uncertain.

She opens her mouth, then closes it. “I can’t... I mustn’t say. In time, you’ll understand.” She lowers the tray onto the floor and nudges it closer, staying out of your reach. “Please. You must eat. It’s only food this time, I promise. And the tea is for your bodies—to prepare you. Maman insists you drink it all.”

“You really think we’re stupid enough to eat or drink anything you give us?”

Her voice dips into a whisper. “I fear I... I must insist. If you refuse... I’ll have to tell Maman. She’s chosen to keep the males you came with because they are healthy and strong. But if she hears of your disobedience...” Her voice falters, and she tucks her hands into her sleeves. “There needn’t be any unnecessary deaths.”

Unnecessary deaths. 

The door clicks shut behind her when she leaves. You sink to your heels, spine against the bars, as Nereida reaches for the tray. Closing her eyes, a single tear escapes before she rubs her chest and exhales. With no choice, you both eat the braised beef and roasted carrots, though you bitterly imagine it tastes like the unseasoned squirrel meat you're used to.

The tea smells herbal and bitter. On your tongue, the taste makes you recoil.

"I think it's turmeric and parsley," Nereida says softly, taking another sip. "It's good for... regulating our cycles."

You stare into the mug, swirling the warm liquid inside. The urge to dump it on the floor flickers, but the risk of someone noticing holds you back. Instead, you take another sip, chasing it with food to mask the taste. Your thumb brushes the rim, finding a sharp chip in the ceramic. Pressing it deeper, the sting hums as a bead of blood wells up. You suck on it, brows furrowed, a half-formed plan taking shape. Without hesitation, you finish the tea and smash the mug on the floor, startling Nereida.

"Why did you—"

You gather the two biggest shards. "We have weapons now. Break yours when you're done."

"So what’s the plan? Stab her with it?" She shakes her head, frustration clear in her voice. "She’s dumb, but not dumb enough to get close enough for that—not after you just said you want to kill her."

"Well, it's something." Your lips tighten along with your hand on the sharp edges. "At least I’m trying to think of an idea instead of just—just praying my military husband comes to save me."

Her eyes flash with hurt. "I'm trying to think realistically instead of acting rash." She gestures to the broken pieces. "She just threatened to kill them if we do anything to upset this Maman person, and you go breaking the cup. You think they'll be happy about that?"

"I'll say it was an accident. I'm a clumsy female who just couldn't help myself."

"You're not thinking clearly, Twix. I know you're upset about Blue—"

“And you’re not?” you hiss. “We failed her. She’s just a kid, and we failed her. Who knows what they’re doing to her right now. We don’t have time to sit around waiting for Price. He’s not coming! Even if they don’t kill him now, you really think they won’t at some point? These people are insane.” Your voice drops lower. “They’re going to rape us, Nereida. Don’t you see that? They’ll wait for us to ovulate, then breed us like livestock to feed into their delusions. What happens when they find out you can’t have kids? You think they’ll keep you around? You think they’ll still ‘covet’ you?”

Moisture wells in her eyes, and she blinks. "I don't—I don't know. But what can we do? We can't reach her, and they won't open the cell without drugging us again. Even if we could get out, we can't handle everyone out there with just pieces of a broken mug." The tears spill quietly, and she stuffs her face in her hands. "You're right. I've always relied on him. I don’t know how to survive any other way."

Your face softens a little, and you breathe deeply to regain some composure. "I shouldn’t have said that. We’re both scared."

She whispers through the gaps in her shaking fingers. "I was never supposed to live like this."

You reach for her hands, holding them tight. "You were, or you wouldn’t still be here."

The words offer fragile solace despite how steady you force your voice to be.

The rest of the meal is in silence.

The helplessness in the room is suffocating, reminiscent of the week you spent alone in the woods, sleeping in trees and dreading the break of dawn. No—it’s worse than that. It feels more like when Ghost broke your bow and left you for dead, chewing on pine needles to soothe your empty stomach. Funny how this time there’s a delicious meal in front of you, and you’re swallowing it down only because you’re forced. You even have a real bed to slip into, a yielding pillow to rest your head on, yet the helplessness remains, unwavering.

"I'm sorry, Blue. I'm trying," you whisper, clutching the shards of ceramic and slipping them under the pillow.

You replay everything in your head: the lack of items in the room, the bolted cell door, and what Salome said— Maman has plans for her. The moon rises, and you remain awake, even as Nereida succumbs to fatigue. You force your eyes to keep scanning the dark surroundings, despite the lingering effects of the drugs threatening to pull you into sleep. There has to be something you're missing—maybe not in the room, but in Salome's words. What else did she say? You were so angry, you can hardly remember.

It feels like well past midnight when you hear a male voice outside the door and the shift of footsteps.

"Trois minutes, Hugo."

A low chuckle. "Trois minutes, c'est tout ce dont j'aurai besoin."

"N'oubliez pas de ne pas toucher. Et ne vous en vantez pas auprès des autres. La nouvelle se répandra et Maman ou Alexandre l'entendront."

The air shifts when the door parts. You launch up, inhaling sharply when a shadowy figure enters along with the faint scraping of boots. Salome? But broad shoulders give way to an unfamiliar man that steps into the sliver of moonlight, and panic sets in quickly.

Breathless, you rip the sheet from your body.

Nereida stirs. "Twix—?"

You rise to your bare feet, standing a meter from the bars as you take him in. A light smile plays at his lips, which might’ve seemed friendly if you weren't poorly covered by the barely-there slip dress. Unlike Salome, his face is exposed beneath the hood of his grey cloak. You make out a strong nose, ashen brows, and blonde hair. He looks to be in his thirties, much shorter than Ghost. He murmurs something in French beneath his breath that makes your hands clench, then reaches into a pocket in his cloak.

He retrieves three metal chains. 

In his upheld hand, the dog tags quietly collide.

Your breath hitches as his eyes flick to yours, and the moonlight catches on the engraved names.

"I'm a friend of your friends," he greets coyly in a hushed, strong accent.

"John," Nereida whispers, ripping herself up from the bed. 

The man nods, the subtle smirk tugging at the edges of his lips, but it fails to reach his eyes. They remain cold. "Yes. We've all grown rather acquainted."

"You've hurt them," you snap, grabbing Nereida's wrist and pulling her closer. "Cut the bullshit."

He wraps the chains tightly around his wrist before tucking them away, then looks at you in a way that leaves your mouth tasting like the dinner you just ate. "A female who bites. I will look forward to making you submit as a God-fearing woman should."

You clutch at the hem of the gown, terror whispering in the back of your mind from his words. Something feels wrong.

"Why are you here?" you ask measuredly. "I thought... it isn't the right time for us to... to get pregnant. I thought only women are allowed to see us right now."

"I've heard whispers of the new beautiful women God has gifted us," he says, his English choppy. "I wanted to see for myself. I've been... working hard to please the Lord, you see. Your friends are not so easily broken. Surely, in His eyes, I've earned just a glimpse."

Nereida tenses beside you. 

You rear a snarl at him. "Where are they?"

He holds up a finger. "Ah, ah, pretty face. You will have to let me see more if you would like to know. I have just three minutes with you. Two now that we've been wasting time."

Cold sweat coats your palms as his request sinks in, and you glance at Nereida. "I'll do it," you whisper. "You can just... just look away."

"No," his growl interjects. "Both of you, or nothing."

Even in the dark, her face pales. But when he pulls the chains back out and waves them around harshly, her hands dart to the hem of the dress and she peels it up without the chance to rethink it. You follow in stride, teeth gritted, as you scoot a step away from her and do the same, feeling the chilled air brush sickeningly against your bare skin. You've done this before, yet this time you are wholly naked under the stranger's gaze, and your hair is not long enough to conceal your breasts. 

When you hear him unbuckle his belt, you remove yourself from your body, mentally retreating to a far corner of the room to block out the horror.

"Tell us where they are," you press.

He chortles, breath catching when he grabs himself. "This land belonged to Maman's husband. It is a farm. New men we keep in the old slaughter house, by the barn, like the swine they are."

"And what about the girl," you interrupt urgently, "The young child who was with us. Why would Maman want to take her? Where else would she be keeping her?"

He grunts low. "I never said I'd answer about the girl, but if you touch yourself, I will consider it."

Your jaw clenches, teeth grinding. Nereida breaks, folding into herself and whispering, "I can't. I can't."

"I will," you whisper, your hand already sliding down your stomach, your eyes locking on his. "If I touch myself, will you tell me?"

His eyes narrow to where your hand dips unthinkingly between your thighs. You keep it there, doing what he wants, putting on the show that will make him talk. His shoulders ripple at the sight and audible groans bounce off the walls.

He clears his throat, voice rough. "I haven't heard nothing yet about the girl. But Maman says God’s punishing us... the land’s... sick. The wheat grows less and less. Only way to fix it—feed God's enforcers." 

"His enforcers?" you question.

"The démons."

"The Greys," you whisper, confusion flickering before clarity dawns.

A flash of the vermin-filled chapel plays through your mind—the bites in the corpse—and your hand jerks away from your thighs. The horror clicks into place, slow and suffocating, until all the color drains from your face. Blue... Is she an offering? An offering to God, just like the one you saw. They think the Greys are His enforcers. They will feed her to them. The thought claws its way through your head, and you feel a fresh wave of cold horror crash over you.

"When?" you croak. "When would Maman— feed them?"

"God's wrath... started on the sixth day," he murmurs absently, eyes rolling back. "That’s when we seek His forgiveness."

With a final grunt, his body jerks, and the spill lands on the floor. Bile rises in your throat, but you can’t even register it as you watch him stuff himself back in his pants and smear the mess with the sole of his boot, muttering something under his breath. You snatch the dress from the floor and stuff it over your head, legs wobbly. Faintly, you hear him laugh quietly.

"I can only pray I'm deemed worthy come the next coupling season. And when that time comes, I will be sure to choose you." 

B

Warm water kisses the back of her neck, and gentle fingers scrub soap through her hair. The woman bathing her hums softly, matching the rhythmic pulse in Blue's arm. As Blue closes her eyes, she tries to separate reality from nightmare, pressing two fingers into the clothed wound as if the pain will help her understand. She remembers the Greys coalesced in the old building, the chains used to restrain them, and the terror-blurred walk back to the small commune. After that, everything becomes hazy. She slept a little, she thinks. Was made to eat again. Then somehow, she ended up here, submerged in a wooden tub of lukewarm water, while a young woman quietly encourages her to dip her hair back to rinse.

"There. Time to dry off now."

There is the shuffling around as she fetches a towel. Blue crosses her arms over herself as she accepts it numbly, the air prickling her wet skin. Her feet land on cold tile floor as she dries off, the woman lingering beside the bathroom door with her head bowed. Blue feels like someone has strings coiled tightly around her limbs, puppeteering her. 

"Put this on for now." A light smile is offered as the thin gown is placed in her palms. "Maman will have a much nicer dress for you to wear tomorrow."

A puppet string is tugged, making her nod. "Can you... can you look away please?"

The woman turns and stares at the back of the door while Blue drops the towel and changes. 

Then she is taken back to the room she came from. The one she first woke up in, where the old woman's knitting needles still rest on the table. Morning light caresses the paintings on the walls, all oiled landscapes of land that looks similar to the one outside. The woman, whose name Blue thinks she mentioned to be Eloise, shuffles around the room, tidying things, before collecting the tray from breakfast. But when she glances back at Blue on her way out the door, her lips part in concern.

"You're bleeding."

Blue looks at the bandage on her arm, where red blood oozes in a trail, a bead dripping onto the floor from the tip of her finger. She frowns, confused, when Eloise sets the tray down to tend to the cut—as if they aren't the ones who caused it. As if the blood smearing her skin when she unwraps the cloth isn't the same blood they used to draw out the two Greys they brought back to the commune and locked up in a small shed. 

"I know you're frightened," the young woman whispers, her voice carrying an understanding that feels deeper than anything Salome ever said. Behind the veil, her eyes flick up to meet Blue's. "I can only pray God's mercy makes it quick." She dabs Blue's arm gently and rewraps it with a fresh strip of cloth.

"You mean they are going to kill me, right?" Blue whispers distantly. "With the Greys from yesterday?"

A glint passes through the woman's eyes, and she lifts her hands. "Yes," she says quietly, then leaves the room. 

Blue stands in the silence, eyes fixed on the drop of blood. She presses her heel into it, smearing it across the floor. Then, she moves. The fear she's carried since the old woman led her into the trees claws at her chest, but she swallows it. Trembling hands sweep over the room—checking the window, the locked door. The bed, the table, the paintings. Beneath the bed, only cobwebs.

A helpless croak escapes her lips as she collapses onto the bed, teeth clenched against the tears. Her father would never accept her giving up. Tomorrow they will kill her. She sits up, palms pressed to her forehead, knees drawn tight, dry sobs wracking her body. Through her tears, she notices the smear of blood from her heel left on the white linen. She flips over her foot and traces the dried blood with her finger, then digs her nail into the broken skin where the gravel road tore into her feet, seeking more pain—urging fresh blood to rise from the indent she leaves behind.

G

The last time Ghost was chained, he hadn’t known about the little girl who shared his blood—someone who truly needed him. Tommy was still alive then, of course, but he had his own family. If Ghost had succumbed to Roba’s torture, his brother and mother would have mourned briefly, held a small funeral, then moved on. The world would have forgotten his name. Part of him would have been pleased with that—but somehow, Simon Riley’s more stubborn side had survived.

That stubborn part of him refuses to close his eyes, not even for a second, because this time, he is fully aware of the girl who needs him.

With no windows to mark the time, Ghost can only gauge it by the man who beats him. The man alternates between striking him with a metal bar and taunting him with food and water, tossing them just out of reach so the smell can ignite pangs of hunger. There was once he showed up with an old woman, who clinically poked and prodded at Ghost's arms and abdomen, as if in approval. The longest absences of visitation likely indicate the man’s sleep, meaning two nights have passed since Ghost woke up here. His increasing difficulty in keeping his eyes open confirms it. 

Even through swollen eyelids, visions invade the darkness—four faces merging, their screams echoing, sharp and pleading. First, his mother. Then Sara. As they turn to ash, the two other faces remain, their screams fading into buttery laughter. Water splashes his cheek as they play in a creek, then their lips fall silent, and their faces sink below the surface. He reaches for them but can only stare as their eyes drain of life. Still, they remain accusatory. Disappointed. 

A slam of the door shatters the images.

"I think you will be pleased to hear the news I bring, Brit."

It must be morning. Ghost's gaze drops to the floor in persistent defiance, refusing to acknowledge him. His muscles loosen in preparation for the bar's routine assault, but a vein in his jowl ticks when he detects a new sound; the quiet slither of a whip against the concrete. 

Without warning, it recoils and lashes out with a sharp crack. The sting spreads through every nerve-ending, and he feels a gush of hot blood from the newly opened wound. A quiet, strained grunt slips through his teeth, and his chin dips to his sternum as pain robs him of the ability to hold it up. 

Casually, like a friend, the man hums, only his boots visible in Ghost's vision. "I saw them. They are well-kept, you should know, and they are indeed beautiful. A gift from God." The tail-end of the whip caresses Ghost's shoulders then slips to the floor soundlessly. "The child, though, I am disappointed to say she wasn't there."

Ghost stiffens.

His nostrils flare.

"Why wasn't she there?" he forces out.

"Ah. The child is yours, yes? The... fierce one was concerned for her as well." He bends, rubbing his jaw callously. "So concerned, in fact, that she was willing to show me more than I had even come for. Quite eager, too. Let me tell you what I told her—I know nothing of the plans for the girl. I can only guess, as you can, that they will not be pleasant."

"I will... kill... you," Ghost manages, his low voice thick with fury, each word a strained rasp through clenched teeth.

When his fingers twitch, weakly forming fists, the man pats his shoulder with a light laugh. "I will say, I am sorry you do not have a son, instead. Maman says daughters are the purest, most God-abiding of us all. With all due respect to her, this is where we disagree." He tilts Ghost's head back, locking eyes with him, his breath brushing against Ghost's face."They’re whores, all of them. Waiting to be bred. That's why the fierce one was dripping wet when she touched herself—"

In one swift motion, Ghost sinks his teeth into the first piece of flesh he can reach, tearing through skin. Blood fills his mouth, spilling between his teeth. The man jerks back, part of his cheek torn away, his eyes flashing with pure rage as he clutches the bleeding wound with his hand.

"You fucking, lowly swine." He spits out a mouthful of blood, then retracts the whip with a savage snarl. Another strike lands on Ghost's back—harder this time. Another follows. The blows come faster, until blood pools beneath his boots, and his eyes finally close no matter how much strength he tries to muster to keep them open. 

T

The sixth day.

If the Sabbath is the seventh day, then the sixth day would be Friday. The outbreak began on a Friday; God's wrath.

You trace the wrinkles in the sheet, trying to count back to the last day you can remember—back when Blue still announced the dates from the calendar Ghost kept track of. You recall it was the 12th of April, weeks ago. But what day of the week was it? Frustration bubbles up as you tear at the sheet, the harsh reality sinking in: you don’t even know how many days have passed since then.

Morning breaks in washed-out hues, accompanied by the low call of a nearby dove.

Growing content with the regular feedings, your belly hums in anticipation against your will.

"Ask her what day it is when she comes for breakfast," you tell Nereida. "We need to find out when Friday is, and you... you're better at talking."

Luckily, Salome either doesn’t notice that one of the mugs is missing or is willing to keep the fragile peace by not mentioning it. Again, she lowers the tray at an unreachable distance and slides it over. She lingers for a few minutes this time as you nurse a bowl of fresh fruit and sour yogurt, more mindful of how it tastes. But you don't suspect they have a need to drug you this morning—not with Blue already taken.

Nereida manages a bit of small talk, flashing a friendly smile you envy her for. It's enough to get a few pieces of information from Salome—mostly useless. She's about six months along, Maman suspects. There are two other pregnant women, and three infants already born over the years. A few have died during harsher winters, including this past one. The land is sick, that man mentioned. With a flicker of sadness, Salome adds that she had a miscarriage, and for a moment, you almost feel sorry for her.

But when Nereida asks about the day, Salome tenses, wariness creeping into her eyes. "Well, I forget the name in English, but it is the fifth day following the Lord's day."

"Thursday, you mean?" you speak up for the first time since she walked in. "I mean, Saturday is the seventh day. So the fifth would be Thursday."

Salome nods. "Yes, Thursday. Jeudi."

Then tomorrow is Friday.

The weight threatens to crush you.

When she finally leaves, you fling the pillow off the bed and flip the mattress, screaming soundlessly into it.

"We have one fucking day, and I have no clue how to get out of here."

Survival hinges on not panicking. Panic makes you weak. But still, your fingers curl into your hair, tugging desperately, trying to silence the hysteria rising inside you. For a moment, a silent prayer takes hold in your mind, mimicking the ones you overheard from Nereida. You screw your eyes shut in a pathetic hope that maybe when you reopen them, Ghost will materialize with the key on the other side of the cell. When he doesn't, you grab the nearest shard from the mug you broke. Nereida tugs on your shoulder, trying to calm you down, but you furiously press it against your wrist.

It's the sight of blood, not the pain, that makes you freeze.

Suddenly, your panic smooths into a fresh memory.

"She panicked, didn't she?" you whisper, lifting the shard and gently thumbing the shallow cut you've created in its wake. "When I threatened to kill myself. Her eyes—they held fear. Fear for what?"

You turn to Nereida and swallow thickly.

"Fear of... fear of us dying," Nereida finishes slowly, a pinch in her forehead.

"Fear of what would happen to her if we died," you say. "She seemed... scared when she spoke of Maman. Of course she is. She's the one responsible for us right now. What would Maman do if she can't take care of the two new coveted women?"

You reach for the next largest piece and place it in Nereida's hand, tightly closing her fist over it. 

"It might not work," she whispers, eyes darting across your face.

"It's the only idea I've got."

Over the next few hours, you smooth over the details in whispered exchanges. These are the only cards you have to play: the value of your bodies here and the power Maman holds. Nereida is uneasy at first but eventually grows convinced. Speaking through the plan helps soothe your nerves, keeping the walls from fully closing in. You remember that Salome usually arrives before the sun sets to bring dinner. So, when the window casts amber shadows across the walls, you suck in a breath, dig the shard into your wrist, and watch as blood spills onto the white linen.

“Three minutes, Hugo.” “Three minutes is all I’ll need.” "Remember not to touch. And don't brag about it to others. Word will spread and Maman or Alexander will hear it."

[oswlld]

literally overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers omgg????

[quintinh43]

Throwing away their piles of tissues when they have a cold.

With Nico hischier!!

Thank you for requesting 🥰 I know yall probably wanted to see nico taking care of reader, but as yall know I'm a slut for reader taking care of the boys and this just felt so perfect.

-

Nico was arguably the most stubborn mother fucker you had ever have the pleasure of meeting in your entire damn life. He was strong and kind and loving. He prioratized everyone before himself. Whether it be you, his family, his team, or a random fucking stranger on the street.

Which is how he ended up with the fucking plague. (It wasn't the plague, but your dramatics tended to get the better of you when you were mad at your boyfriend.)

"Nico Hischier, get your ass back in bed before I douse you with chloroform," you threatened, pushing his chest firmly back towards the bedroom.

"I'm fine, schatz-" he was cut off by a coughing fit that had him doubling over. Your demeanor did a complete 180° as you stood beside him, rubbing his back soothingly and muttering sweet words.

"Seriously nico, my love," you say, cupping his face between both hands after his coughing fit had passed, "you need rest,"

"But the team-"

"The team will be fine. They are in good hands. Plus, the faster you rest up, the faster you can get back to it." You say, stroking your thumbs over his cheekbones. He's burning up, and it makes your heart pang in your chest.

"But Schatz i- "

"Nico, please." You beg with a sigh, "if not for your sake, then for mine, so I'm not worried about you?"

Nico concedes with a sigh, walking back to the bedroom, "Let it be known this is to ease your worries and, not because I am sick,"

You roll your eyes fondly, tucking him into bed, "Of course, my love. Thank you for resting, for me" you plant a tender kiss on his forehead.

"Schatz! Dont kiss me, what if you my germs?" He says hoarsely, trying to fight off another coughing fit.

You cross your arms, staring down at him smugly, "I thought you weren't sick?" You tease.

He pales, realizing his admission. He opens his mouth to try and form an excuse but breaks out coughing again. You shake your head and brush his head back from his forehead. "I'm going to get you some cough medicine."

Nico tried to protest, but he's too busy hacking his lungs out. You wince and hurry to the kitchen, scrambling through the medicine cabinet for the cough syrup. You grab a bottle of water and Gatorade and go back to the bedroom, where, thankfully, Nico's coughing fit is over.

Setting everything on the night stand you pour the cough syrup into the spoon and feed it to him gently.

"Egh," he sticks out his tongue in disgust. You can't help but giggle.

"I'm gonna make some fresh ginger tea and some soup, and you'll be right as rain in no time, ok honey?" You say smoothing the crease between his eyebrows.

Nico has given up the tough guy act. He nuzzels his head against your hand, and you place another kiss on his forehead, much to his disdain. "Do you want me to turn on a movie?"

Nico shakes his head, "I just want you," he says tugging on your arm.

"I know, honey, I know," you coo, "As soon as I'm done making you soup, ok?"

"Ok, don't take too long," he flashes his infamous puppy dog eyes, and you're practically melting at the seams. "Keep drinking lots of liquids, ok?"

He nods, "And I'm right in the kitchen, so just shout if you need anything,"

He nods again, and you press one last kiss to his forehead before turning on 101 Dalmatians for him on the TV.

The soup doesn't take long. It's your mom's famous chicken noodle soup recipe. You ladle the soup into a bowl and grind fresh ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and honey into a paste and fill the rest of the cup with hot water.

Nico looks worse than before. His skin is pale and clammy, There's a pile of tissues on the nightstand. His nose looks red and irritated, and he's sniffling consistently. He has the duvet pulled all the way up to his chin, and it's tucked around his shoulders to keep the cold out. Your poor Nico.

You set the soup on the nightstand, along with the tea, and gather his pile of tissues to throw them out. "Come on, Nico, sit up for me," you nudge gently.

"Can't Schatz," he murmurs "too cold,"

You pad to the closet with a sigh and pull out one of Nicos fleece hoodies. "Put this on, baby." You say handing it to him. He reluctantly removes himself from his blanket cocoon and pulls the hoodie over his head. He takes the bowl of soup gratefully, and you slip under the blankets beside him, curling against his side.

"Thank you, my love," he murmurs, pressing a kiss against your forehead.

You wrinkle your nose, "Ew, I don't want your germs Neeks!" You squeak, dramatically rubbing his kiss off your forehead.

He chuckles and then coughs. After he finishes his soup and complains the entire time he drinks the tea, the two of you fall asleep curled into one another. And if a week a later Nico is the one spoon feeding you medicine, and disposing of your snotty tissues well...

That's what love is.

[realprissygirl]

my current makeup + beauty shopping list ❤︎ ྀི

hair

shark airwrap styler

more amla oil

fenugreek powder

luxy x acquired style mega curls bundle

mermade style wand mega bundle

miss jessie’s curl cream and gel (my absolute fav curly products)

nails

new liquid monomer

crystal katana

more dnd polishes

glitter base cover powders

apres gel x bond refill

bedazzled led lamp

nails charms

body

aquaphor healing ointment

braun epilator

african net sponges

urea cream

glow getter body wash

dove holiday deodorant

new belly rings (sparkly and dangly)

makeup

danessa myricks groundwork defining neutrals palette

one size pressed and loose powder

patrick ta major dimension palettes

kryolan setting spray

one size cheek clappers (both pink ones)

fenty fu$$y and confetti gloss bombs

a base restock (reups on my fav foundations, powders, and concealers)

buxom plumping glosses in clair, sophia, dolly, white russian, kanani, gabby

rhode peptide lip tints

fenty skin tint

elf halo glow

skin

paula’s choice bha exfoliant (bought this stuff three times now i’ll never let it go)

turmeric soap

joseon relief sun

argan oil

fragrance

victoria’s secret pink cotton candy mist

african body oils (yummmmm)

victoria’s secret shimmer bombshell mist

full size kayali vanilla candy rock sugar

gourmand fragrance oils

victoria’s secret daydream mists

purr by katy perry (i have meow ˖𓍢ִ໋)

victoria’s secret vanilla bean and macadamia mist

victoria’s secret pink glazed holiday mists

victoria’s secret pink seasonal scents

sol de janeiro sets

britney spears candied fantasy

sabrina carpenter fragrance collection

[foodshowxyz]

Spicy Coconut Curry Scallops

Ingredients:

• 500g scallops 🦪

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒

• 1 small onion, finely chopped 🧅

• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄

• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 🍃

• 1 red chili, finely chopped 🌶️

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 🌿

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 🌿

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 🌿

• 400ml coconut milk 🥥

• 200g chopped tomatoes 🍅

• 1 teaspoon salt 🧂

• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish) 🌿

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

• Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel and set aside.

• Finely chop the onion, garlic, ginger, and red chili.

2. Cook the Aromatics:

• In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).

• Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped red chili. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add Spices and Liquids:

• Stir in the ground turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cook for 1 minute.

• Pour in the coconut milk and chopped tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

4. Cook the Scallops:

• Add the scallops to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are opaque and cooked through.

• Season with salt to taste.

5. Serve:

• Transfer the scallops and sauce to a serving dish.

• Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

[reality-detective]

👀 Ever wondered if you could make your own immune-boosting shots?

Spoiler: You absolutely can, and it’s easier than you think!

🤒 The Problem: Inflammation, weak immunity, and digestion issues are like uninvited guests that overstay their welcome. Annoying, right?

🔬 Let’s Talk Science: Ginger is like a cozy blanket for your stomach, soothing it with every sip. Turmeric? Think of it as your body’s personal superhero, fighting inflammation. And lemons? They’re like sunshine in a fruit, packed with vitamin C to armor-up your immune system.

🍹 Ingredients for Your Immunity Shot:

- 2 freshly squeezed lemons (seeds included, they’re tiny antioxidant powerhouses!)

- A 2-3 inch ginger piece (your tummy’s best friend)

- 1 tablespoon turmeric (the inflammation buster)

- 1 teaspoon cayenne (like a little firecracker for your metabolism)

- 1 teaspoon black pepper (turmeric’s sidekick, making sure it’s absorbed well)

- 1 1/2 cups of liquid (water or coconut water for extra sweetness)

- Alternative Medicine

[barbiesmind]

my intentional morning routine (updated)

-I wake up around 4:45 during the week in order to go to the gym. This has helped me build a sense of discipline by committing to a task that pulls me out of my comfort zone.

-I’ve maintained the habit of drinking a full bottle of water after waking up which I take my vitamins and medications along while doing so as a practice of habit stacking (building new habits by linking them to ones already established).

-I usually try to give myself enough time before leaving for the gym. This allows me to say my personalized prayers and express my gratitude by writing out at least 3-4 things I am grateful for upon starting the day.

-After the gym, I’ll shower and then continue my mindfulness practice. The first thing I like to do is a breathing exercise. I’ll either do the 4-7-8 routine (breathing in for 4 secs, holding for 7, exhaling for 8) or just taking deep breaths with long exhales. This helps me get a jumpstart in focusing on maintaining a calm nervous system.

-I move onto my nutrition for the day which usually starts with liquids; I’ll take a homemade hot ginger and turmeric shot while I wait for my tea to steep. Lately, I’ve been drinking mullein tea which aids with respiratory health, it has antioxidants such as vitamin c, magnesium and zinc.

-For my overall diet, I try to stick to a high protein, high fiber diet which I’ve chosen for my own dietary needs. Depending on the morning and what I’m craving, what I eat may look different. Sometimes it may be a protein smoothie or a breakfast wrap that usually consists of spinach, eggs, turkey and cheese. However, one constant will always be green juice. The one I drink usually consists of celery, kale, cucumber, apple and lemon. After an energizing and nutritious breakfast I’m ready to start my day.

And that’s my current intentional morning routine!

[lanasfavorite-daughter]

•°•Hot Girl Tips•°•

Hydrogen peroxide removes period stains

Rubbing alcohol and/or hand sanitizer removes nail polish

The amount of water you need to drink= your weight÷2, then that number÷8 so for example 100��2=50÷8=6.25 so if you weigh 100 pounds you would need at least six 8oz glasses of water per day

Sugar wax>>> here's a recipe: 1 cup of white sugar, 1/4 cup of water, 1/4 cup of lemon juice (lime works too) combine the ingredients in a saucepan and let them boil until golden brown. The easiest way to test the wax is to have a small bowl of ice water and drop a little bit of the wax into it. When the wax is ready, you'll be able to roll it into a soft ball and it will keep its shape. When this consistency is reached, put it in a glass jar (make sure the jar isn't cold otherwise it will crack) and let it cool off for at least an hour. Once cool, apply it in the opposite direction of hair growth and wax awayyyy

Diy cuticle oil: olive oil and vitamin E oil. You could add a drop or two of essential oil if you want. The amount of oil you need depends on your container so for mine it was a tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of vitamin E.

Diy dry shampoo: 3 parts cornstarch and 1 part baking soda.

Healthy drink to ease bloating and get in your vitamins and minerals: 1/2 cucumber, a few sticks of celery, kale or another dark green of your choice, lemon juice, turmeric (a little goes a long way) and ginger. Fresh is best but any ginger you have will work. Fill the blender to the max line with water, and blend until liquid. You can strain it if you want, but you don't have to. It doesn't taste great, but in the long run it is worth ittt

Smelling good is such a wonderful thing for so many reasons. First, pick a scent. Or at the very least a top 3 like I have: vanilla, Dior Blooming Bouquet, and Sol De Janeiro '68. I also use the classic scent from Soap and Glory (rose and bergamot). The first and most important thing is to find a good deodorant. Which one works for you depends on your body chemistry, but dove is always a safe bet :). Next, find a good shower routine. Having all of your shower products smell similar will keep the scent lasting longer. And, of course, shower at least every other day. Washing your hair is different bc your hair washing routine depends on your hair type. And of course you must find a body lotion that matches your other shower products.

Last and final tip for today: keep your nails and hands healthy and pretty by moisturizing your hands with hand cream. I like this one by Burts bees, this one from Eucerin, and this one from Dior (pricey I know but it's w o r t h itt).

That's it! Tysm

[morethansalad]

Creamy Dijon & Turmeric Brussels Sprouts (Vegan)

[desigirldairies]

Reveal Your Bollywood Glow: Unveiling Celebrity-Inspired Skincare Secrets.

This blog is going to be all about Indian & bollywood inspired products and skincare tips. If you also want a blog separately about Indian natural and authentic skincare or hair care I'll surely make it. 🫶

Know Your Skin Type : Identify your skin type - whether it's oily, dry, combination, or sensitive - to tailor your skincare routine effectively.

Cleanse Like a Star : Use a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil or Neutrogena to remove dirt and makeup and a oil cleaner is a must if you wear makeup daily. Opt for micellar water for a quick and effective cleanse on busy days. (But I don't really recommend it).

Exfoliate for Radiance : Incorporate a mild exfoliator like St. Ives Apricot Scrub or The Body Shop's Vitamin C Glow-Revealing Liquid Peel to slough off dead skin cells and reveal glowing skin. And my personal favorite coffee scrub from The Bombay shaving company. Don't exfoliate more than twice a week.

Hydration Is Key : Use a hydrating toner such as Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray for an instant boost of hydration or toner + mist from pilgrim works like magic (my fav 😭).

Targeted Treatments : Include a serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid (for hydration) or vitamin C (for hyperpigmentation) if you are under 17 or 18 like me don't use vitamin c or if you want to use in very less %, I use 2% kojic acid for my uneven skin tone from pilgrim, it's very begniner friendly. (Always consult a dermatologist for your skincare don't go around seeing videos on insta and YouTube believing them). I recommend Minimalist if you want chemical bases serums.

If you are above 23 or 25 Incorporate a retinol-based cream like RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream for anti-aging benefits. (Got this tip from mumma for y'all 😭✨️)

Sun Protection Essentials : Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, such as La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. More affordable and effective sunscreens from brands — dot and key, aqualogica, Dr. Seth and wish care.

Overnight Nourishment: Use a hydrating overnight mask like Laneige Water Sleeping Mask to replenish moisture while you sleep. Incorporate a facial oil like The Ordinary's Rose Hip Seed Oil for added nourishment and radiance.

DIY Treatments Inspired by Bollywood:

- Try a turmeric, gram flour and yogurt face mask inspired by Priyanka Chopra for glowing skin.

- Use aloe vera gel like Deepika Padukone for its soothing and hydrating properties. (MY fav bolly actress btw 😭❤️)

Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Skin : Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day people are not stupid that they are going around telling you to drink water, IT'S A MUST!. Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and green tea into your diet for overall skin health.

Some of my fav brands (mostly available in india) : dot and key, Foxtale, pilgrim, minimalist, st. Botanica, organic harvest and aqualogica!

Fav brand released by a bollywood actress: Hyphen by Kriti Sanon, their lip balm can even beat Rhode's lip balm istg- and their sunscreen 🔛🔝.

Channel your inner Bollywood diva and achieve a radiant, flawless skin with these skincare tips and product recommendations. Let your skin glow like a star!

[nogacheloveka-blog]

The Bad Sanses somehow ended up in the Backrooms. №15

<-Switch to Russian ver.

next 16

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This is the translation of the another post from Russian to English. I understand English, but it is very difficult for me to write in English, so I asked chat GPT to help me. I have corrected some parts, but there still may be mistakes.

--------------------------------

Sometimes I notice that I don't spend enough time on all six characters, as I can't come up with a suitable activity or mini-plot for them. For example, poor Horror or Cross, whom I mention so rarely, *sigh*...

This part was half done even before I mentally broke down a bit, and I finished the rest just a today. I don't even remember where I planned to take the plot. So I'll just improvise.

I find it ironic that the story has stalled at a level where the characters are meant to wander for a long time. Here’s the original draft creation date on Tumblr, and here’s the publication date. So, it seems they’ve been wandering for about 7 months?

Thanks to @geno2108

--------------------------------

Killer wagered his body in a card game.

But it didn't have much effect. In the end, he reached for the bottles of alcohol in the mini-bar and managed to convince Dust and Horror to play cards with him. Cross refused but sat nearby, keeping an eye on the group. No one needed any new broken arcade machines. This place had already suffered enough.

Dust and Horror teamed up to win. But they overestimated the Killer: he was drinking shots too heavily and at some point passed out. He fell, knocking over bottles and a plate of snacks.

Well, he’s their prize, and Dust has plenty of colorful gel pens and markers in his pockets.

Cross was worried about what was on his face. It didn't bother him, but he felt foolish. The color wouldn't wash off (it was clearly getting brighter). It was uncomfortable. Was this normal for mushrooms? Some kind of natural dye like turmeric? Could natural dyes be this persistent? Maybe the mushroom had sprouted in the pores of Cross's bones? The swordsman nervously scratched under his eye socket, even though he didn't feel any itch. He had, of course, used Almond Water. But maybe he was only making it worse with the extra moisture?

Cross glanced at Dust. Even though they could use the local internet and had to update their notes less frequently, Cross and Dust continued to keep a notebook during their breaks (the internet was a luxury and not always available at their levels).

Since the day moths began to swirl around Dust, he had become calmer and more confident. Cross noticed that his hands no longer trembled when he wrote. And Dust no longer flinched from accidental touches, allowing them to sit close enough without unnecessary wariness (he had to get used to the feeling of insects on his bones).

Cross ran his hand over his face once more. Maybe not everything here is trying to kill or maim them?

During this time, Nightmare and Error were exploring the arcade machines. The others were useless in this activity, so they watched their games through their fingers. The main thing was to ensure that the mortals didn’t get in the way.

Nightmare didn’t want to be around his gang of kids when they were in a good mood. Error’s company was preferable: a lot of irritation, uncertainty, anger, and mental issues. Nightmare fed off them, and Error could fully concentrate on exploring the code. They both benefited.

Level 25 was a valuable place. Nightmare thought about taking it over and establishing himself there. If he could get the arcade machines to work, he could bring in the Smilers or Skin Stealers to scare away people (with particularly annoying ones, he could deal with them using his gang. Or personally).

It was frustrating that he couldn’t feed off the residents' distress when they realized such a useful place was no longer accessible to them. The liquid negativity was becoming scarcer as they moved forward. This made him feel weak, not like he used to be.

Error felt as if they were being manipulated. As if walls were being put up, forcing them to walk down a single correct path. Fine. Okay. Error would play along. And then he would kill the jester.

The killer dimension was probably clapping its hands happily, because if they found a suitable arcade machine, then—

The World Destroyer would try to fix it.

Is this a joke? Does he look like an idiot wit-h-h a paintbrush?

Let this stupid world create some kind of Behind-the-Scenes Sans and have fun with him.

S0 frus*rating. Destr0y it all t0 h3!!

Suddenly, he stumbled upon an arcade Tamagotchi. It made so little sense that it immediately caught his attention. The arcade led to Level 87, which was poorly explored by humans. Its code turned out to be open and quite simple. (Come on, I invite you.)

The damage to the casing wasn’t too severe — just a couple of broken buttons and a burn mark on the screen that looked like it came from a cigarette. People could fix it themselves if they wanted to.

Once the repairs were done, all that was left was to wait for the others, especially the Killer, who was scrubbing off marker drawings from his skull with vodka.

***

The new level greeted them with a boring straight corridor. Then a crossroad of boring straight corridors.

...

Then doors appeared.

...

Closed, open.

...

They led to boring straight corridors.

...

From time to time, there were supplies. And corpses.

...

And intersections of boring straight corridors.

.

.

.

There was nothing to explore here.

...

But then they ran into themselves.

Nightmare belongs to Jokublog Killer belongs to RahafWabas Dust belongs to Ask-DustTale Horror belongs to Sour-Apple-Studios Error belongs to CrayonQueen Cross belongs to JakeiArtwork

[copperbadge]

So I learned two things this weekend:

One, when you use an industrial slicer to thin-slice beef that cooked in a Malort-based broth, the demon Meaty Wormwood returns to torment you. Literally the beef was fine until I started slicing it and then The Odor arrived.

Two, when you add enough hawaj to a beef jus to counterbalance the Malort in it, the turmeric in the hawaj turns the fat in the jus neon green. It's hard to see in the image but basically you get a deep gold-brown jus with bright green edges. It should make for interesting-looking sandwiches...

I will say, every time I look at the deli slicer I bought I think "Was this really necessary? It doesn't slice as thin as a good ceramic knife and it still takes significant physical effort" and then I slice the beef with it and it takes 10 minutes instead of several hours, and I go "Oh yeah, worth the $70."

[ID: Two images; on the left, a large tupperware container full of thinly-sliced beef, looking delicious with marbled fat and browned edges. On the right, a small dish of liquid, the jus from the beef, shows a layer of deep brown richer gravy, edged in a thin layer of yellow-green oil.]

[serpentface]

@mouseymagus

(response to tags where I mention Brakul making a crab soup)

IRL I USED:

3x snow crab clusters

1.5 onions

1 large habanero

Uncounted, substantial amount of garlic cloves

Thyme

Fennel Seeds

Cumin Seeds

About 1/4th of a lemongrass sprig

A lot of turmeric powder

Bit of fish sauce

like 2 sazon packets (mostly for MSG)

A substantial amount of sweet soy sauce later added to taste (used it as a balance because I went too hard on the turmeric+cumin, though some would have been used either way)

A lot of plain yogurt

Spinach

[No measurements used for basically anything I do things entirely to taste when making soup and adjust as needed]

In-universe version would have an overall similar tasting mix of herbs and spices. He also has access to meatier crab, and would be making larger batches. Two types of fish sauce would have been used, one that's intense and provides most of the salt content, and one that is very sweet and mixed with date wine (the sweet soy sauce was a substitute for this, some kind of sweet port wine mixed with fish sauce would probably be more accurate).

Vegetables are all finely chopped (outside of the lemongrass) as they will be eaten in the final product. Everything except the yogurt and spinach is combined with water and allowed to cook for several hours to make the broth.

The broth should be very strong, somewhat excessive on the spices because it's going to be balanced out with yogurt. Once it reaches a good point, the heat should be turned low and the soup allowed to cool before the yogurt is stirred in, which should prevent curdling. This should be A LOT of yogurt, it's the key ingredient. Cream could also be used for a sweeter result. The color should end up very light golden-yellow.

Continue cooking on low heat for a while after adding the yogurt (I let it go like 1.5 hours). You don't want it to boil again but want the yogurt-broth to thoroughly penetrate the crabmeat. Once that's done, you can either strain it to remove fennel/cumin seeds and the cooked down vegetables (and replace them with freshly chopped ones), or let it be and to eat as is. Either way this is the point where you add the spinach and let it cook for a while longer, until the vegetables are soft.

Resulting soup should be a thick broth that’s notably spicy, mildly sweet, and the bitterness of the spices should be subtle. Should have a distinct turmeric flavor with the cumin, thyme, and fennel being subtler. You can open up the crab legs and add the meat into the soup, or eat out of them on the side (ideally with bread to scoop up any remaining liquid, or over grain)

In context, Brakul really likes to cook and is like, Okay at it. He's got a good sense for flavoring and a very, very bad sense for timing. His soups are notably quite good because they are the one thing that is virtually impossible to burn. This crab soup is his favorite thing to make, it's kind of a fusion between familiar recipes he would have had back home (crayfish broth boils with herbs and chili-spiced yogurt) and flavoring more favorable to the Wardi palate (especially cumin and imported turmeric). He's bad at integrating the yogurt at the proper heat though so it usually ends up curdled.

Here’s photos of the process for the lore friendly curdled version

[jewishdragon]

top five soups!!!!!!!!

OK SO

#1 is my uncle's chicken matzah ball soup. Its a family legend of a soup. it's essentially a chicken stew and the signature spice is Hawaij: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaij. it WILL stain anything it gets on yellow and its WONT come out. 100000/10 soup. On the application to the college I eventually went to the final application question was "what is one food you would cook for the admission team?" and I put this soup. (recipe will be under the cut)

#2: UDON AND RAMEN. both rank the same. slurp slurp noodles ohmmygod

#3: just a hearty meat and veggie soup plz

#4: spaghettios counts as soup sorry. so i guess cheesy-tomato soup. yum yum.

#5: melted ice cream that I eat like a soup

OK NOW FOR THE LEGENDARY SOUP RECIPE:

Matzo Ball Soup

Recipe from: Mum

Makes:

1 whole 8-piece chicken

1 turnip, chunked

1 rutabaga, chunked

2-3 large carrots, diced

1 onion, diced

1 head of whole garlic cloves

Lots of whole fresh parsley

1 tbsp Osem soup flavoring

1 Manischewitz Matzo Ball Soup Mix

Tons of Hawaij

Put a whole 8-piece chicken in a large pot with water. Bring to boil, skimming off the schmaltz that will gather on the top. (Schmaltz is a foamy-like fatty substance that appears on the rim.) Stop when the foam stops forming on the top of the soup.

While the chicken boils/cooks, chop up one turnip, one rutabaga, two to three large carrots, and one onion (just depends on preference). Add these to the pot along with whole garlic cloves. Add Osem chicken soup seasoning (to taste), about one tablespoon. Note this adds a good amount of salt to the soup. For richer flavor, you can use chicken/bone broth for the base soup as well. If you do this, add less water in the beginning as this will add volume.

Use Manischewitz matzo ball soup mix to make matzo balls (follow its instructions) and add the soup mix to the pot. Add tons of Hawaij (turmeric-like spice from the middle east). Must be Hawaij MARAK (marak = soup). Add in lots of whole parsley.

Note on adding matzo balls to soup: they take time to absorb the soup into the ball, but also get mushier as they sit in the liquid longer. So, add them whenever you decide, weighing these factors.

Optional: after a long time of simmering on low boil, remove the chicken and de-bone so you do not have to deal with that while eating. I do this by shredding it with two forks so I do not have to touch the boiling hot chicken. My mom does this by hand, burning her fingers.

*my uncle also sues potato in this soup but my family dislikes potato in soup so we removed it. feel free to add that back in! add different veggies. it will all taste of hawaij in the end.

[foodshowxyz]

Burmese Tamarind Fish Curry (Nga Thaloun Chhet) with Fresh Cilantro and Lime Wedges 🍲🐟🍋 -

Full Recipe ⬇️⬇️

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) firm white fish fillets (such as catfish or tilapia), cut into chunks 🐟

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil 🫒

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped 🧅

• 3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄

• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced 🧑🏻‍🍳

• 1-2 green chilies, sliced (optional) 🌶️

• 2 tomatoes, chopped 🍅

• 2 tbsp tamarind paste 🍋

• 1 tsp turmeric powder 🌿

• 1 tsp paprika 🌶️

• 1 tsp ground coriander 🌿

• 2 cups fish stock or water 🍲

• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

• Fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿

• Lime wedges for serving 🍋

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish:

• Cut the fish fillets into bite-sized chunks. Set aside.

2. Make the Curry Base:

• Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

• Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.

• Add minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies (if using), and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the Spices and Tomatoes:

• Stir in turmeric powder, paprika, and ground coriander. Cook for 1-2 minutes.

• Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they start to break down and become soft.

4. Add the Tamarind Paste and Stock:

• Mix in the tamarind paste, ensuring it is well combined with the other ingredients.

• Pour in the fish stock or water, and bring the mixture to a simmer.

5. Cook the Fish:

• Add the fish chunks to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the liquid.

• Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish the curry with freshly chopped cilantro.

• Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor.