Doumi Hot Pot (豆米火锅) is a traditional hot pot dish in Guiyang, with its roots tracing back to a common household dish in Guizhou known as “Doumi Soup.” Originally made with dried green beans as the main ingredient, the dish underwent a transformation in the late 1980s and early 1990s when a small hot pot restaurant owner decided to use Doumi Soup as a base for cooking ingredients in a clay pot. It was discovered that this method produced a delicious soup with fine Doumi particles, gaining recognition from diners and sparking its popularity as Doumi Hot Pot.
The base of Doumi Hot Pot is made by cooking various bean and rice products into a paste, along with meats, vegetables, and spices, resulting in a rich blend of bean and rice flavors that melt in the mouth, offering a mellow and aromatic taste sensation. The uniqueness of Doumi Hot Pot lies in its seasoning, where Guizhou chili powder plays an essential role. Additionally, ingredients such as minced ginger, garlic, Sichuan peppercorn powder, and cilantro are added to enhance the flavor complexity and diversity of the hot pot.
The ingredients for Doumi Hot Pot are diverse and abundant. Apart from the main Doumi base, it includes ingredients like pork belly, crispy pork, vegetables, tofu skin, crystal noodles, various mushrooms, and more, enriching the texture and flavor layers. Moreover, Doumi contains rich proteins, essential amino acids, and dietary fiber, complemented by a hearty bone broth, making Doumi Hot Pot a truly nourishing dish.
During consumption, the Doumi Hot Pot base is usually brought to a boil first before adding various ingredients for cooking. The Doumi becomes soft in the broth, offering a rich and multi-layered mouthfeel, while the broth becomes increasingly fragrant and flavorful. Additionally, vegetables and bean products cooked in Doumi Hot Pot develop a fresh, translucent, and slightly sweet taste.
In conclusion, Doumi Hot Pot shines as a unique and nutritious gem in Guiyang’s hot pot culture. Whether it’s a family gathering or a friendly get-together, Doumi Hot Pot is a highly popular culinary delight, cherished for its distinctive taste and nutritional value.