Hot Pot Broth

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions or green onions

Directions

1. Warm the oil in a pot set over medium-high heat. Add the dried red chilies and cook them until the oil becomes red.
2. Stir in the spicy bean paste and fermented black beans, and cook everything together for 1 minute.
3. Add the ginger and onion, then cook until both have turned golden brown.
4. Stir in the bay leaves, fennel seeds, round cardamom fruit and Sichuan peppercorns.
5. Pour in the broth and water, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Add the rock sugar.