Qima

Qima

　　Qima, a term in the Hani language, can be translated into Chinese as "meat porridge." It is a distinctive dish of the Hani people in Xishuangbanna. It is an indispensable part of local wedding ceremonies, traditional festivals, and housewarming celebrations. Qima is primarily made with high-quality glutinous rice and fresh pork, seasoned with ground star anise, ground tsaoko fruit, and minced ginger. To prepare it, simply rinse the rice clean and wash and finely chop the pork. Then put both into a pot with an appropriate amount of meat broth and simmer together. When the meat is cooked and the rice becomes soft, add an appropriate amount of minced ginger, ground star anise, ground tsaoko fruit, salt, and monosodium glutamate. Stir and simmer for a while, then it's ready to serve in a bowl. The Qima cooked by the Hani people has a thick, porridge-like texture, with the fragrances of rice, pork, tsaoko fruit, and star anise. It tastes savory, rich, and smooth, offering a uniquely delightful flavor.