Homestyle Tomato Hot Pot Base (Northern China)

家常番茄火锅底料（北方版）

Homestyle Tomato Hot Pot Base (Northern China) — a Chinese recipe, ready in about 30 minutes. Step-by-step instructions with photos.

Ingredients

• Canned whole plum tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
• Yellow soybean paste (doujiang)
• Garlic, minced
• Cooking wine
• Sugar

Instructions

1. Drain canned tomatoes, reserving liquid. Crush tomatoes by hand into coarse pulp. Set aside.
2. Heat 15 ml neutral oil in wide pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add yellow soybean paste and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until paste darkens slightly and oil begins to separate.
4. Add crushed tomatoes and reserved liquid. Bring to gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in sugar and cooking wine. Simmer 2 more minutes. Taste and adjust — it should be rich, tangy, and deeply savory, not sweet. (Broth deepens to vibrant rust-red)