Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup bok choy, chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Sichuan peppercorns and toast for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
3. Add the ginger, garlic, onion, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Add the shiitake mushrooms and bok choy. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional Sichuan peppercorns and chopped green onions.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground pork can be substituted with ground beef or chicken.
- Shiitake mushrooms can be substituted with button mushrooms.
- Bok choy can be substituted with spinach or kale.
Variations:
- Add noodles or rice for a heartier meal.
- Use tofu instead of ground pork for a vegetarian version.
- Add more vegetables such as carrots, celery, or zucchini.
Tips and tricks:
- Toasting the Sichuan peppercorns before adding them to the soup enhances their flavor.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
- Adjust the amount of Sichuan peppercorns to your taste preference.
Storage instructions:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in a pot over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in individual bowls with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top.
Garnishes:
Chopped green onions and additional Sichuan peppercorns.
Pairings:
Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread.
Suggested side dishes:
Steamed dumplings or egg rolls.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too spicy, add more chicken broth or water to dilute the heat.
- If the soup is too salty, add more water or a squeeze of lime juice to balance the flavors.
Food safety advice:
- Cook ground pork to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, with Sichuan peppercorns being a key ingredient in many dishes.
Flavor profiles:
Spicy, savory, and slightly numbing from the Sichuan peppercorns.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Chinese