Global Hot Pot

What could be more festive than a group of friends and family sitting around a communal cooking pot? This kind of gathering satisfies a primal subconscious need for family, food, and fire in everyone. It brings people together in a way that eating a traditional three-course meal does not. Taking the time to cook, savour, and converse, everyone feels that they have participated in a celebratory ritual. It is a pleasurable and memorable dining experience that is easy to prepare, stress free for the cook, and entertaining for your guests.

Hot Pot 1: One method of hot pot involves each diner swishing a thin slice of meat into the broth until it is done, and then dipping it into a variety of sauces. Tofu and vegetables are left to simmer in the broth until ready to eat. At the end of this meal, noodles or rice can be added to the broth for a nutritious and satisfying finale. (Shabu shabu, Swiss Fondue, Beef Bourguignon, Mongolian Fire Pot, and Szechwan Hot Pot are examples of this style.)

Hot Pot 2: Another style of hot pot consists of adding layers of fresh ingredients to a broth, beginning with those richer in flavour, and allowing everything to simmer together until a desired degree of cooking is achieved. At this point, everyone helps themselves. The broth is served along with the ingredients, and seasoning and condiments can be added. (Bouillabaisse, Sukiyaki, Kimchi Chige are delicious examples.)

Kimchi Chige (Korean Hot Pot)

Ingredients (serves 4-6 people depending on appetite)
2-3 cups sour kimchee, cut in 1 inch pieces
1/4 cup juice, from kimchee (optional)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup water

1 dash salt and pepper
2 tablespoons crushed red hot peppers
2 cloves crushed garlic
1-2 lb cooked pork ribs, boiled beforehand
2 doz fresh oysters
2 blocks tofu (med firm) rinsed and cubed
1 head of Chinese cabbage, washed well
1 bunch of spring onions
1 bunch of chives
1 cup of brussel sprouts (these are in season right now, so we used them)

Method
Combine top 7 ingredients into saucepan and bring to boil.
Stir occasionally. Adjust flavour of broth according to degree of spiciness….
Simmer over medium heat until kimchee is tender.
Pour into communal cooking pot.
Add a portion of the pork ribs, oysters, veggies, and tofu.
Simmer 5-8 minutes.
Serve with steamed white rice.
Add another portion of ingredients and simmer.
*Can add more water or broth from cooked ribs to simmering ingredients as needed.