SICHUAN MALA HOTPOT SOUP BASE

Use this when the table needs to wake up and nobody wants a quiet dinner. The broth comes out bold, red, and unmistakably mala, with that numbing-spicy kick that makes meat, tofu, mushrooms, and greens taste louder. Use the whole packet and build the pot properly. This is Chongqing talking.

Perfect pairings

• Thin-sliced ribeye, short rib, or lamb
• Shrimp, fish balls, and firm tofu
• Napa cabbage, enoki mushrooms, lotus root
• Potato or sweet potato slices — they sponge up heat beautifully