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Mongolian hot pot traces its roots to roughly a thousand years ago, when soldiers ate it for sustenance and warmth. Traditionally made with mutton, Mongolian hot pot is perhaps the most well-known of all. Hot pot variations extend beyond China to much of Asia. And in Beijing, simplicity shines, with ginger and scallions providing flavor. In Jiangsu, the fragrant chrysanthemum tastes dominate. Cantonese hot pot has a lot more seafood options (given the location). Travel south of Sichuan to the province of Yunnan, and you’ll discover a much more sour flavor. In other areas of China, you’ll find a different flavor. Chongqing hot pot is famous for having Sichuan peppercorns, which provides a numbingly spicy effect. Hot pot is especially popular in the city of Chongqing and throughout Sichuan, a province in China known for foods such as Mapo Tofu and Kung Pao Chicken. Hot pot can be eaten any time of the year, but many folks like to enjoy it in the winter, as the simmering pot and communal nature of the meal create a warm, relaxed atmosphere.Ĭhinese hot pot may be most familiar to many folks in the West. Most folks spend the meal not only eating, but also catching up with family members and friends. Since hot pot is a communal meal that involves sharing a pot, it’s an incredibly social meal. But you can mix and match among ingredients that include oyster sauce, crushed peanuts, chili garlic sauce, chopped green onions, salt, and more.
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I prefer sesame seed oil, cilantro, and garlic (common in Sichuan, China). When it comes to the dipping sauce, you have many options. The food sizzles in the flavor-filled pot and you grab what you want with chopsticks or a large skimmer spoon. When eating hot pot, diners gather around a table, each with their own plate and bowl that includes a dipping sauce and seasonings. Diners directly boil raw and uncooked foods in the pot. Hot pot is a simmering pot of soup stock heated on an electric range, butane gas range, or induction burner. Hot pot is best defined as both a dish and an experience. Image by joker177 from Pixabay What is Hot Pot?
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