Speaking of Tengzhou, we have to mention its iconic food-white porridge. Tengzhou white porridge has long been famous for its unique flavor and cultural connotation, and has become a beautiful gourmet business card in southwestern Shandong.
It is said that the origin of white porridge can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period thousands of years ago. At that time, Teng Wengong, the king of Teng State, led his army on an expedition. Military supplies were urgent, so the soldiers cooked porridge with the rice they carried with the army to satisfy their hunger. Unexpectedly, this simple pot of porridge was unexpectedly welcomed by the soldiers. Since then, white porridge has been popular among Teng Guojun, and gradually became the daily diet of local people.
Today, Tengzhou white porridge is no longer just a food to satisfy hunger, but also a food culture with a long inheritance. Its cooking technology is also improving day by day. The good rice is washed, soaked, and then put into a large iron pot with water and simmered over low heat. After the porridge boils, stir constantly with a large spoon to prevent it from sticking to the pot. Cook until the rice grains bloom and the porridge is thick, then it is ready to serve.
The essence of Tengzhou white porridge lies in its deliciousness. During the cooking process, a little ginger or jujube is added for seasoning. The spiciness of the ginger slices and the sweetness of the dates blend perfectly into the porridge water, eliminating the blandness of the rice porridge and adding a touch of freshness.
In addition to being delicious, Tengzhou white porridge is also known for its rich nutritional value. Rice is rich in starch, protein, vitamins and minerals. After being cooked into porridge, these nutrients are more easily absorbed by the body. Therefore, Tengzhou white porridge is not only a delicacy, but also a health-preserving food.
Tasting Tengzhou white porridge emphasizes a leisurely mood. On a cold winter day, sit around a steaming pot of porridge, gently scoop up a bowl of white porridge with a spoon, blow the hot air, and put it into your mouth. The softness of the rice grains, the smoothness of the porridge water, and the spiciness of the ginger slices dance together on the tongue, bringing supreme satisfaction and warmth.
Tengzhou white porridge also has many ways of eating. People like to add various seasonings to the porridge, such as pickles, pickles, chili oil, etc., to enrich the taste of the porridge. There is also a unique way to eat it, which is to pour a layer of hot oil on the white porridge, which is commonly known as "oil-poured porridge". The hot oil is poured on the porridge, making a sizzling sound and stimulating the aroma of the porridge, making people salivate.
Tengzhou white porridge is a delicacy with a long history and unique flavor. It carries the food culture and life wisdom of Tengzhou people and is a shining cultural business card of the ancient city of Tengzhou.