The word "hot pot" in translation from English means "hot pot", "hot pot". In the homeland of this invention, in China, it is called the Hogo. This is an original and convenient way of eating food, on the principle of a bit like fondue.
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Instruction manual
1
A hot pot is a large ceramic or metal pot with broth mounted on a brazier or single burner gas stove. Plates with various products are usually located nearby: meat, fish, vegetables. When the broth boils, the participants of the feast let products into it, and after two or three minutes they catch them with chopsticks and eat. If desired, in a separate bowl, you can pick up the broth, which, thanks to the spices and the products that were cooked in it, acquires a rich and original taste.
2
It is believed that Hogo was invented in the north of China, which differs in winters quite cold by Asian standards. Such a "hot pot" has become an excellent way to combat frost, in addition, it allows you to feed several people at once. Over time, Hogo began to be used throughout the year. It should be noted that the red-hot stove, on which the pot stands, also plays a role in warming those sitting at the table, so in summer there is a hot pot better in an air-conditioned room.
3
A hot pot is widespread not only in China, but almost throughout Southeast Asia: hot pots can be found in street cafes in Wetnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Mongolia. Of course, in each of these countries the set of products and the composition of the broth will be slightly different, but the general principle will remain unchanged. For example, in Thailand, the hot pot pot will be a small roasting pan with a separate container for the broth, which allows not only cooking, but also frying foods. In China itself, the set of products for Hogo will also vary, depending on the region.
4
There are practically no restrictions on the ingredients for a hot pot: you can cook all kinds of meat, mushrooms, offal, vegetables, soy cheese, noodles. Naturally, for different types of products, the cooking time will be different, but after a little practice you can accurately determine the degree of readiness of thinly chopped pork, lamb, mushrooms or tentacle squid.
note
An important role is played by the so-called "dip", that is, sauces for dipping ready-made pieces of meat, fish or tofu bean curd. As a rule, there are several options for such sauces to choose from: sweet, spicy, sour, salty.
Useful advice
If you want to try a hot pot with seafood, it is better to do it in coastal areas where you can be sure of the quality and freshness of seafood.