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Traditional Cooking

Buddha Jumps Over the Wall: A Pot of Aromatic Flavors

Part One: Aromatic Journey Through Millennia, A Pot Gathers a Hundred Flavors


Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, a traditional delicacy originating from Fuzhou City in Fujian Province, China, is known as the "Number One Soup of China" for its unique culinary skills and rich cultural connotations. It is not just a dish but a piece of history, a legacy of culture.


Cultural Background:

The origin of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall dates back to the Qing Dynasty. It is said that a Buddhist monk, enticed by the aroma of this dish, was so captivated by its flavor that he broke the monastic rules and leaped over the wall to taste it, hence the name "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall." This dish symbolizes wealth and auspiciousness and is often served as the finale at banquets.


Features:

The specialty of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall lies in its unique cooking method and the rich combination of ingredients. It gathers delicacies from both land and sea, such as abalone, sea cucumber, shark fin, fish maw, scallops, and dried mushrooms, in a single pot. Through slow simmering, the flavors of various ingredients permeate each other, achieving the ultimate fusion of taste.


Taste and Texture:

The taste of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall is exquisitely delicious, with a rich and thick soup. The textures of the ingredients are distinct layers of experience. The chewy abalone, the smooth sea cucumber, the glutinous fish maw, the savory scallops, and the fragrant dried mushrooms, each bite is an ultimate challenge to the taste buds.


Appearance:

The appearance of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall is exquisite, with a golden yellow color and a clear soup. The ingredients are neatly arranged in the pot, resembling an exquisite work of art.


Nutritional Value:

Buddha Jumps Over the Wall is extremely nutritious, rich in protein, collagen, various amino acids, and trace elements. It not only nourishes and strengthens the body but also beautifies the skin.


Part Two: The Secret Recipe for Making Buddha Jumps Over the Wall


Ingredients:

  • Main ingredients: Abalone, sea cucumber, shark fin, fish maw, scallops, dried mushrooms

  • Seasonings: Old hen, ham, pork bones, green onions, ginger, Shaoxing wine


Tools:

  • Stewing pot

  • Steamer

  • Knife

  • Cutting board


Preparation of Ingredients:

  1. Soak the dried goods such as abalone, sea cucumber, and shark fin in advance, and clean them thoroughly.

  2. Blanch the old hen, ham, pork bones, and other ingredients to remove the fishy smell, and set aside.


Cooking Steps:

  1. Place the prepared ingredients into the stewing pot in order, and add seasonings such as Shaoxing wine and green onions.

  2. Place the stewing pot into the steamer, and simmer over low heat for several hours until the soup is thick and the ingredients are tender.

  3. During the simmering process, check the soup in time, and add boiling water if necessary to prevent it from burning dry.


Seasoning Tips:

  • The key to seasoning Buddha Jumps Over the Wall lies in the preparation of the soup, which requires mastering the heat and time to fully integrate the flavors of the ingredients.


Serving Suggestions:

  • It is best to eat Buddha Jumps Over the Wall while it is still hot to experience the optimal taste and texture.

  • It can be paired with some light staple food, such as white rice, so as not to overshadow the main dish.