Saturday, October 06, 2007

Hot Pot - Chinese Style




If you are watching your fat intake, this just might be the meal for you. One evening while in China, I was introduced to the popular hot pot method of cooking. This approach to cooking is similar to fondue because of the pots and cooking style. A much larger flame is needed under the pot to keep the broth steaming. For this celebration, each of us had our own pot. (I even gave hubby permission to cook his own dinner, without my supervision!) Beautifully prepared and arranged plates of raw foods and vegetables lined the table ready to be immersed into the well seasoned broth. With a little mesh basket in one hand and a cold beer in the other, we delighted in plunging our choices into the bubbling liquid. As you can see from the pictures some of the foods we used were tofu, dry rice noodles, slices of fish, tissue thin slices of pork, crispy green cabbage, lettuce, celery, mounds of spinach-even eggs. The varitey of what you can use is endless. We were also offered about fiftteen different sauces to pour over the cooked food. This is an absolute must experience when you visit China.

10 comments:

K and S said...

we have something similar called shabu-shabu in Japan. It is a nice way to eat and quite low in calories too.

Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

This is also a fun thing to do at home -- you can simulate a hot-pot cooker or even buy one (they're not expensive) in an Asian grocery. I love drinking the broth afterwards.

Cynthia said...

Jann, I'm so glad you left on a comment on my blog so that I can discover yours!

I've added you to my feeds and look foward to seeing you around.

Katie Zeller said...

We had one years ago - and I switched our fondue to doing it in broth instead of oil!
This is a regular routine for us in front of the fire in winter!
To have a proper one would be a treat, indeed!

Caffienated Cowgirl said...

Oh, I haven't had hot pot in ages! Must make it one of these nights...thanks for reminding me :o)

Jann said...

K&s~ I really enjoyed this meal and this evening!It was great to know that all the foods we were throwing in there wouldn't stick to our hips!

Lydia~The broth was delicious, I know what you mean. I would love to try this sometime here.

Cynthia~ I have been reading your sight for quite some time now~I am happy you visited this one! Cheers!

Katie~The fondue is just too filling for me and usually too many calories! You must have great fun in front of that fire while cooking!

Cowgirl~It was a wonderful way to spend time at the dinner table~not your normal evening dinner approach! Cheers!

Amanda at Little Foodies said...

Sounds like a lot of fun and like you say great that it was so healthy too. Loved your previous penne post too - butternut squash = delicious!

MyKitchenInHalfCups said...

I love a meal like this! Now if only China were in my future.

Helene said...

We never do fondu in oil anymore, but we do planty of seafood in broth much like this, with some veggies and dipping sauce. So much flavorful too!

JoAnne said...

Jann, Was looking through your site again getting inspired to actually cook. I think I am going to try this unless you make it for me the next time you are here...hint, hint