Hey, foodies, today we're going to talk about that ancient and warm dish, and that's - iron pot stew!This is a dish with a long history, like a memory of time, quietly integrated into our table. Imagine a mouthful of mellow soup with soft and glutinous ingredients, which is simply a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy. It's more than just a dish, it's more like a time trip to taste. Let's uncover the mystery of iron pot stew, and let's appreciate the charm of this traditional delicacy together!
List of ingredients for Hebei iron pot stew.
Pork ribs: 1000 grams.
Fresh shiitake mushrooms: 10 pieces.
Wide beans: 500 grams.
Garlic: 1 head.
Star anise: 1 pc.
Bay leaves: 2 pieces.
Cinnamon: 2 small pieces.
Sliced ginger: 5 slices.
Oyster sauce: 2 scoops.
Sichuan peppercorns: 2 scoops.
Light soy sauce: about 10 ml.
Dark soy sauce: about 5 ml.
Cooking wine: 30 grams.
Essence of chicken: 1 scoop.
Potatoes: 1 large.
Carrot: 1 stalk.
Onion: half.
Frozen tofu: 500 grams.
Spicy bean paste: 1 tablespoon.
Flour: 500 grams.
Yeast powder: 5 grams.
Allspice powder: 10 grams.
The cooking method of Hebei iron pot stew.
Step 1: Prepare the ribs.
Put the pork ribs in cold water, add cooking wine and ginger slices, blanch to skim off the foam, then wash with hot water and control the water.
Step 2: Simmer the ribs.
Add oil to a hot pan, stir-fry garlic cloves, spicy bean paste, star anise, cinnamon and bay leaves over low heat, add chopped onion and stir-fry to change color, then add pork ribs, continue to fry for five minutes, then add ginger, dark soy sauce and soy sauce, and stir-fry again for five minutes. Then add salt, chicken essence and boiling water, put it in an iron pot and simmer for half an hour, and finally add frozen tofu and continue to simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the side dishes.
Wash the potatoes, beans, and carrots and cut them into cubes for later use.
Step 4: Make Hanamaki.
Mix the flour and yeast powder, add warm water to rise to twice the size, roll out into a dough, smear oil in the middle and sprinkle salt and five-spice powder, and then roll it into a flower roll for a second proofing.
Step 5: Simmer the side dishes.
Put the side dishes in the pot and fry for five minutes, add the proofed flower rolls, cover the pot, simmer on high heat for five minutes, then change to low heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Remove from the pan.
Finally, sprinkle some shallots and coriander before cooking, and you can enjoy this delicious iron pot stew!Note that hanamaki can be made using a mixture of rye and white flour, or you can choose to use pure white flour. Take a bite and feel the unique mellow taste!
Tips: Wow, this iron pot stew is a feast for the taste buds!Once you've cooked this dish, you're in the kitchen. Remember, when stewing pork ribs, you can add a little more ginger slices to make the meat more tender. And the magic of that spoonful of oyster sauce and peppercorn powder is simply the secret of this dish**, making the soup richer and richer.
If you want more depth, add some shiitake mushrooms and potatoes at the end for a richer and more varied taste. The addition of frozen tofu makes the whole dish more flavorful and smooth.
Pair it with some light rice or fragrant steamed buns, it's a perfect match!Want to get creative?Try simmering the noodles in an iron pot to create a noodle soup with a unique taste. Of course, a refreshing glass of rock sugar pear soup or lemon honey water after the meal will definitely make you feel refreshed both physically and mentally.
Finally, remember that iron pot stew requires care. It's even better to have an iron pot at home, remember to use it more often, and keep this old stew tradition going. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with friends and family, the iron pot stew is a satisfying and delicious meal. Let's go, foodies, and let this traditional taste stay on your taste buds!
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