Come to Longde County, Guyuan City, Ningxia for hot pot!
Longde hot pot is a traditional specialty of Longde County, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, carrying profound regional culture and family sentiment. The following is an introduction from multiple perspectives: Historical Origins. Origin and Development: Originating in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, people invented a layered stewing method to withstand the cold winter. As an important post station connecting Guanzhong to the Northwest, Longde saw frequent trade and travel, leading to the fusion of different regional food cultures. For example, dried vegetables and cured meats commonly used in the Central Plains were incorporated, enriching the flavor of the hot pot. Significance of Inheritance: After hundreds of years of development, it has gradually become an important representative of Longde's food culture. In 2024, the Longde hot pot making technique was listed in the seventh batch of autonomous region-level intangible cultural heritage, reflecting its important value in the inheritance of local culture. Ingredient Combinations. Balance of Meat and Vegetables: The main ingredients are mostly home-style dishes, primarily white radish slices and Chinese cabbage slices, often paired with bean sprouts, vermicelli, tofu, carrots, and other vegetables; meat dishes include deep-fried pork belly, homemade cured meat, and ribs. This combination follows the principle of "a balanced mix of meat and vegetables, creating a rich and layered flavor." Local specialties: Ingredients are mostly sourced from local vegetables, such as radishes and Chinese cabbage, ensuring freshness and authenticity. Potatoes are a versatile ingredient in hot pot; Longde potatoes, with their high starch content, slowly absorb the flavor of the broth during cooking, becoming soft, sweet, and even thickening the broth. Cooking process: Traditionally, earthenware pots were commonly used, while restaurants now generally use copper pots, though some households still use earthenware. Traditionally, "earthenware hot pots" made of clay are also used; these pots are breathable and heat evenly, allowing the ingredients to fully release their flavors during slow cooking. Key to seasoning: When seasoning, first sauté scallions, ginger, garlic, dried chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and other spices in hot oil until fragrant. Then add fermented bean paste, sweet bean sauce, and other sauces, continuing to stir-fry until the sauces melt and release their red oil. Add an appropriate amount of bone broth or water, then add star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, and other spices. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer to allow the flavors of the spices to fully infuse the broth. Cooking time: Place the hot pot with the ingredients on charcoal. First, bring to a boil over high heat to quickly heat the ingredients, locking in moisture and flavor. Then, reduce to a simmer to allow the ingredients to cook slowly at a low temperature. Do not stir the ingredients during this process to avoid damaging their integrity and causing them to lose flavor. Typically, the hot pot needs to simmer for 1-2 hours, until the pork belly is tender, the potatoes are melt-in-your-mouth, and the glass noodles are chewy and flavorful. Serving presentation: Layered presentation: Create a "five-layer, one-sided" structure. The bottom layer consists of sliced radish and cabbage cooked in the broth (vegetable base). Above this are meatballs, glass noodles, tofu, and other side dishes. The top layer is covered with slices of deep-fried pork belly (topping). Other serving methods: There's also the compartmentalized method, where one type of vegetable is placed in one compartment, and several types of vegetables are placed in several compartments, with a top layer added at the end; the mixed method involves mixing multiple dishes together, symbolizing "family reunion." Eating scenarios: Family reunion: This is an irreplaceable delicacy in the hearts of Longde people, carrying the emotions of family gathering. During important festivals such as the Spring Festival and the Winter Solstice, families sit together to enjoy the hot pot and share the joy of family life. Relatives and friends gathering: It's also a "good choice for entertaining guests" at family and friends gatherings. When relatives and friends visit, the host sets up a hot pot to entertain them, and everyone sits together in a warm atmosphere, making it easier to get closer to each other. Festive banquets: During some important festive events, such as weddings and funerals, several large hot pots are set up in the courtyard to entertain villagers who come to help and offer congratulations.