Everything About Hot Pot 👲
What is Hot Pot?
Hot pot generally refers to a cooking method where a pot is used as the utensil, heated by a heat source, and filled with water or soup base to cook a variety of foods. The essence of hot pot lies in the fact that, unlike other dishes already prepared on the table, people put their favorite vegetables, meat into the pot while waiting for them to cook, and then ladle them out to eat after they are cooked, so the food always goes into the mouth piping hot.
In addition to the traditional sesame dipping sauce, the soup base is also crucial. Spicy, salty, fresh—people can choose according to their dietary habits and preferences, suitable for all ages. Especially in the cold winter, it is an excellent choice for a meal.
Origin of Hot Pot
There are two theories about the origin of hot pot. One claims that hot pot existed during the Warring States period, with pottery pots being used. The other theory suggests that hot pot originated in the Han Dynasty, with "dou" referring to hot pot. Archaeological findings in the burial artifacts of the Western Han Marquis of Haihun revealed physical evidence of hot pots. It can be seen that hot pot has a history of more than 2000 years in China.
Different Flavors of Hot Pot
The mentioned spicy, salty, and fresh flavors are just general descriptions. Specifically, one of the most important factors influencing the taste of hot pot is the soup base. Soup base can be categorized into the following types: plain soup base, spicy soup base, yin-yang (Double-flavor) hot pot, mushroom soup base, and tomato soup base.
The plain soup base is crafted by simmering chicken bones, pork bones, or beef bones in a pot over low heat for several hours. It serves as the most fundamental soup base, offering a light and refreshing taste. This versatile base is suitable for pairing with various ingredients and boasts high nutritional value.
Conversely, the spicy soup base skillfully blends spiciness and saltiness. Generally, spicy soup base is most renowned in Sichuan and Chongqing, where people have a penchant for spicy flavors due to climatic conditions. The exquisite interplay between the aroma of chili and the saltiness provides an unforgettable taste experience for enthusiasts of spicy cuisine.
Yin-Yang hot pot combines both a plain soup base and a spicy soup base, making it a highly popular dining choice. It utilizes a unique copper pot, divided into two halves by copper plates, creating a yin-yang symbol. One side holds the plain soup base, while the other side contains the spicy soup base. Diners can add their preferred food to the pot for cooking. This eating method significantly achieves harmony between those who enjoy spiciness and those who do not. Despite using a single copper pot, both preferences can be accommodated without interference.
Mushroom soup base is prepared with a focus on wild mushroom ingredients, offering an exceptionally delicious and nutritious taste. It is also suitable for individuals who do not favor spicy flavors. Yunnan Province in China is known for having the most varieties of wild mushrooms, including chicken mushrooms, matsutake mushrooms, and boletus, among nearly 100 species that can be cooked in the hot pot. This type of hot pot is associated with health benefits such as immune system enhancement, anti-tumor properties, anti-cancer effects, and blood sugar reduction.
Tomato soup base offers a delightful blend of sweet and sour flavors, coupled with a smooth texture that sets it apart from traditional spicy hot pots. Chefs meticulously prepare the soup base by simmering several fresh tomatoes, allowing their essence to infuse the soup through slow cooking. The resulting aroma is an instant delight to the senses, whetting the appetite. Notably, the various nutritional components of tomatoes contribute to the hot pot, enriching it with essential vitamins, magnesium, iron, and other trace elements.
How about it? Are you eager to give Chinese hot pot a try?
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