Gimme A Break

 I was recently asked by Barb, one of my favorite and most loyal Minute Chaser readers, “what’s dimsum”? Fascinating question, and the answer’s pretty fascinating too. “Dimsum” loosely translated from Cantonese (or “dian xin” in Mandarin) means from the heart.

Well, what you see in this picture right here is just ONE of the many and varied types of “dimsum” in Chinese cuisine. This one’s called “siew mai” or marinated minced pork wrapped in a wonton skin topped off with fish roe and steamed in a rattan basket. You dip it in two sauces - a sweet sauce and a chili sauce, pop it in your mouth, yummm.. (gosh, just talking about it is making me hungry ;)).

Dimsum is served in Chinese restaurants everywhere these days. Waitresses with push-carts piled high with these rattan baskets make the rounds from table to table. All you got to do is select which dimsum you want, and they’ll serve it to you right there, piping hot.

At the base of the stainless steel push-cart is actually a large steamer that keeps the baskets hot. Notice the holes at the base of the basket where steam comes through.

There’s lots of varieties to choose from - steamed dimsum, deep-fried, braised, sweet and savory. They’re made with a variety of meat (pork, chicken, abalone, shrimp, beef, crab) and veggies (carrots, lettuce, cilantro). The variations are endless. Those creative chefs are always coming up with something new.

Send your tastebuds on an exotic adventure next time you get a chance. You’re going to love it, I promise. And pretty soon, you’ll be going back for seconds, thirds?? Yummmy!

• gourmet gift baskets
• lip-smacking sesame chicken
• hot steamed tofu with minced meat
• fullmoon party
• yummiest fried rice

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