Spicy hot pot, also known as Sichuan-style hot pot, is a popular Chinese

cuisine that has gained immense popularity worldwide. It is a communal dish

that features a boiling pot of spicy broth, where diners cook and serve their

own raw meats, vegetables, and other ingredients. The broth is typically made

with a mix of chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, and other spices,

which give it its signature numbing and spicy flavor.

To make spicy hot pot at home, you will need to gather the following ingredients:

1. Chili peppers: You can use a variety of chili peppers for your hot pot, but the most common ones used in Sichuan-style hot pot are red chili peppers and dried chili peppers. You can use fresh or dried chili peppers depending on your preference.

2. Sichuan peppercorns: These are a key ingredient in Sichuan-style hot pot and add a unique numbing sensation to the broth. You can use whole Sichuan peppercorns or ground them into a powder.

3. Garlic and ginger: These aromatic herbs are commonly used in many Asian cuisines and add depth and complexity to the flavor of the hot pot broth. Fresh garlic and ginger are best, but you can also use dried versions if you don't have access to fresh ones.

4. Spices: Other spices such as star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, and coriander can be added to the hot pot broth to enhance its flavor.

5. Meats: Beef, lamb, pork tenderloin, chicken breast, and shrimp or squid are all common options for spicy hot pot. Meats can be thinly sliced and cooked at the table using chopsticks or tongs.

6. Vegetables: Bean sprouts, shredded cabbage, mushrooms, lettuce, spinach, and other leafy greens are often included in the hot pot to add texture and flavor to the broth. Vegetables can be cooked at the table using chopsticks or tongs.

Once you have gathered all of your ingredients, you can begin preparing the hot pot broth. Here is a basic recipe for making spicy hot pot broth:

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan or stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the ginger, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to the saucepan and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

3. Pour in enough water to cover the meats and vegetables in the hot pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least