Bazhong Can Can Rice

Bazhong Can Can Rice

　　Bazhong Can Can Rice is a rice dish available in various flavors such as cured pork, three delicacies, corn and ham, and lotus leaf. It is a famous snack in the Bazhong region.

　　The term “Can Can Rice” is local dialect in Bazhong. A “can can” refers to a container that looks like a clay pot. The rice cooked in this clay pot has a very pleasant texture—each grain is white and smooth, resembling pearls. When the rice is about half-cooked, cured lean pork, corn, ham... are added, and after a short while of simmering, it is served, often accompanied by Sichuan pickles or broad bean paste, making it refreshing and delicious. Wns

　　For the people of Bazhong, the word “can can” carries a sense of warmth and affection. In the past, life was very frugal, and only when someone in the family fell seriously ill or a baby was born was the family considered “worthy” of having “Can Can Rice.” The contents of the Can Can Rice were also different from everyday meals, featuring more “essentials.” But back then, that might have just meant a little bit of meat, an egg, or some thoroughly cooked porridge. This was what was called “having a private meal.” Wns

　　How to Make Bazhong Can Can Rice: Wns

　　Wash the rice, place it in a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of water, then cover the pot with a lotus leaf and the lid. Simmer the rice until it is half-cooked, then add pork and chili, and continue cooking until the rice is fully done. Remove from heat and uncover to serve. Adding three delicacies, ham, or other ingredients will create different flavor variations. Wns