Chicken Boiled with Sour Bamboo Shoots of Dai Ethnic Group in Xishuangbanna
Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), a region located in southern China, is renowned for its unique natural scenery and rich ethnic culture, especially the Dai (傣族) culture. Among the culinary delights of Xishuangbanna, Chicken Boiled with Sour Bamboo Shoots stands out as a shining gem. This dish primarily uses sour bamboo shoots as its main ingredient, meticulously prepared and combined with tender chicken, simmering together in a pot until fully cooked. The sourness of the bamboo shoots and the deliciousness of the chicken blend together harmoniously, creating a delightful symphony of flavors on the palate. Each bite is filled with endless aftertaste, a perfect combination of sour and spicy that makes it irresistible.
A Delightful Experience
Chicken Boiled with Sour Bamboo Shoots is not only a delicious dish but also a way of enjoying life. On a scorching summer day, nothing feels as refreshing as a bowl of this dish. Conversely, on a cold winter day, the steaming Chicken Boiled with Sour Bamboo Shoots can chase away the chill and bring warmth. Whether served as a main course or a late-night snack, this dish satisfies people’s cravings for delicious food.
Both local residents and visitors from afar praise this dish highly. They express that after tasting Chicken Boiled with Sour Bamboo Shoots, they have fallen deeply in love with this charming land. This dish has become a calling card for Xishuangbanna, allowing people to remember its beauty and abundance.
A Favorite among the Dai People
Sour soup dishes are one of the favorites among the Dai people. Foods with a sour taste possess several benefits, such as astringency, toning, improving digestion, stimulating appetite, and enhancing overall wellness. The Dai staple food is glutinous rice, and the hot climate in the region often leads to sweating; hence, there is a significant demand for sour foods that can aid digestion and reduce sweating. To meet this demand, the Dai people have developed numerous sour dishes, among which sour soup is particularly distinctive.
In the Dai language, it is called “克糯松赛盖” (Ke Nuo Song Sai Gai). The main ingredients are chicken and sour bamboo shoots, accompanied by seasonings such as green chili or chili oil, ginger, coriander, schisandra, mint, and wild pepper powder. The cooking method involves first slaughtering the chicken, plucking its feathers, and cleaning it thoroughly before cutting it into small pieces. The sour bamboo shoots are rinsed briefly with clean water to reduce excess sourness and then squeezed dry; the seasonings are washed and minced.
Cooking Process
Once the main and supplementary ingredients are prepared, oil is poured into the pot, and minced ginger is sautéed until fragrant. Salt and chicken are added and stir-fried briefly to allow the meat to absorb the oil and salt. When the chicken is about 70-80% cooked, broth is added and brought to a boil. Next, sour bamboo shoots, salt, monosodium glutamate, and chili are included, and the mixture is cooked until the chicken and bamboo shoots are thoroughly done. Finally, coriander, schisandra, and mint are sprinkled on top, and the dish is served in a bowl.
This soup dish is characterized by its sour and fresh taste, with a slight spiciness or numbness that greatly stimulates the appetite.
Summary
- Dish Name: Chicken Boiled with Sour Bamboo Shoots (傣族酸笋煮鸡)
- Flavor: Sour and spicy, unique taste
- Function: Stimulates appetite
- Region: Dai Ethnic Group
This dish is relatively unique to the Dai people. Its preparation involves washing the sour bamboo shoots, boiling them until tender, and then adding the prepared chicken to cook together. Once the chicken is done, ingredients like chili, ginger, and green onion are heated in oil, followed by pouring the sour bamboo shoot and chicken broth back into the pot to reheat, making it ready for consumption. Its flavor is sour, spicy, and refreshing, with a unique taste that enhances the appetite.
List of Names and Attractions
- Xishuangbanna (西双版纳)
- Dai Ethnic Group (傣族)
- Sour Bamboo Shoots (酸笋)
- Chicken (鸡肉)
- Green Chili (青辣椒)
- Chili Oil (辣椒油)
- Ginger (生姜)
- Coriander (芫荽)
- Schisandra (荆芥)
- Mint (薄荷)
- Wild Pepper Powder (野花椒粉)
