Stir-fried wild garlic with salted pork. [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

For the people of Hai'an, a county-level city in Nantong, the signs of spring are not only visible in budding branches but also in the fields. As the spring breeze sweeps over the ridges, clusters of slender, verdant wild garlic quietly sprout, releasing their distinctive, bold, spicy aroma.

In the crisp, moist air of early morning, the vibrant green of fine leaves marks the presence of wild garlic. Grasp the stems and leaves, twist a small shovel and a cluster of wild garlic emerges, roots and all.

Lifting the wild garlic from the ground, and use the back of your shovel to knock off large clumps of soil. This will release a rich, wild and slightly spicy fragrance into the air. After harvesting, it's important to thoroughly clean the wild garlic. As you trim away the roots, the pungent garlic scent will rise assertively, reaching your eyes.

Stir-fried wild garlic with salted pork is a classic spring dish beloved by the people of Hai'an. The combination of wild garlic and salted pork beautifully blends the freshness of spring with the richness of winter.

The cooking begins as the stove is lit, and the iron wok heats up. A drizzle of rapeseed oil is added, followed by ginger and garlic, which release their enticing aroma. As the oil heats up, slices of salted pork are tossed in, rendering their fat and filling the kitchen with a savory, mouthwatering scent.

Next, the star ingredient — wild garlic — takes center stage. The tougher white parts of the garlic are added first for a quick stir-fry, allowing their spicy aroma to fully develop. Once the white garlic has deepened in color, the green parts are added to the wok, along with a handful of small chili peppers. There is no need for excessive seasoning; the natural blend of spicy, salty and hot flavors is the perfect complement to a bowl of rice.

Before long, a plate of glossy, fragrant wild garlic with salted pork is ready to be served. A bite reveals a harmonious blend of pungency and savory flavors that unfold in layers while coming together seamlessly. This seemingly humble dish carries the comforting taste of home for the locals.