Miao Fish Aspic

Miao Fish Aspic

　　A famous dish most beloved by the Miao people. In Xijiang, every Miao household raises carp in their rice paddies, and even in winter, some fields are left unflooded as “wet fields” to keep fish. When guests arrive from afar on a cold day, the hosts brave the chilly weather to catch fish. That evening, they prepare “Miao King Fish” or “Sour Soup Fish” to entertain their guests, chatting as if at home. Once the guests have gone to sleep after enough conversation, the hosts take several remaining live fish, cook them with soybeans, adding a little minced ginger and salt. Once the fish is cooked, they pour the fish, soybeans, and broth into a large bowl, sprinkle with chopped scallions, and the next day the fish aspic is ready. It can be eaten after a light toss with Sichuan peppercorn powder and dried chili.