Time: 1 hour4 servingsapprox. 1800 kcal / serving (estimated)approx. 100 g protein / serving
Sichuan hot pot is a shared meal cooked at the table: everyone cooks their own morsels in a hot broth tingling with Sichuan pepper. A social, leisurely meal, perfect for cold evenings.
Fry the garlic, ginger and dried chillies in the oil for 2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the bean-chilli paste, Sichuan pepper, cinnamon and cloves, and fry for a further 2 minutes.
Pour in the stock, bring to the boil, then simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes so the flavours combine.
Place the pot on the table over a portable burner or hotplate, keeping it hot.
Everyone adds their own portions of prepared meat, tofu, mushroom and vegetables to the hot broth, and takes them out once cooked.
At the end, glass noodles can also be cooked in the remaining broth and eaten too.
A Receptnaptár original recipe. Calories and protein are estimated.
Tips
Sichuan pepper gives the characteristic, slightly tingling, numbing sensation on the tongue - don't leave it out, as this is what sets it apart from ordinary spicy dishes.
Meat is easier to slice thinly if partially frozen first, which also helps it cook quickly in the hot broth.
Anyone who doesn't like it spicy can keep a separate, milder broth on the table, in the same pot divided in two.
Don't throw away the leftover broth - it makes an excellent base for a quick noodle dish the next day.
Frequently asked questions
What is doubanjiang?
A fermented bean and chilli paste, a staple of Sichuan cuisine. Available in Asian shops; if unavailable, a strong chilli paste mixed with a little miso can substitute.
How do I cook this at home without a tabletop burner?
The ingredients can also be cooked in batches in a pan on the stove and served immediately - less of a shared occasion, but the flavour is the same.