Asian Christmas: Hot Pot!

Hot Pot!

Hot Pot!

I really hope everyone had a great Christmas. It was gorgeous outside. Facebook and Instagram were flooded with pictures of family and food and presents. I, on the other hand, spent most of mine in a Nyquil induced coma. Yay me. But despite, this wretched cold, I did come into consciousness in time to enjoy some good hot pot.

For those of you who do not know what Hot Pot is, it is kind of like fondue. Instead of cheese or chocolate, there is a boiling savory broth. And instead of veggies, fruits or marshmallows, you have raw meats, noodles and veggies you can cook yourself.

My aunt with her peace sign. Not helping the stereotype.

My aunt with her peace sign. Not helping the stereotype.

There are many types of hot pots and tons of different broth recipes and flavors. There is a different take of it in all Asian cultures with many delicious variances, varying from Korean, Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese.

My mom prefers a very simple beef broth. We make different dipping sauces. This time, we have a sweet chili sauce and other times a pepper-lime sauce. All yummy. Tonight we feasted on beef, shrimp, squid, fish balls (tastes better than it sounds), tofu, spinach, bok choy, mushrooms, and noodles.

It was great having a sit down dinner with the family this Christmas. The wonderful thing about hot pot is that it is a process and we all got to enjoy each others company.

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