Xianglai is a local flavor with a long history in my country. The cuisine has been formed as early as the Han Dynasty, and Qu Yuan, the great patriotic poet during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, recorded it in his poems. Hunan cuisine, with a history of more than 2,000 years, specializes in spicy, sour and rich mountain flavor. The selection of Hunan cuisine is mainly based on local ingredients and pays attention to the delicious raw materials. The characteristics of Hunan cuisine are heavy oil, rich color, hot and sour, and strong freshness. There is a saying that "Guizhou people are not afraid of spicy food, Sichuan people are not afraid of spicy food, and Hunan people are not afraid of spicy food." Hunan cuisine is famous for its unique spicy taste. Today's Hunan cuisine is mainly famous for dishes from the Xiangjiang River Basin, Dongting Lake and other places. Hunan cuisine has developed into one of the eight major cuisines in China.

In order to meet the needs of our readers, we have compiled the "Complete Collection of Classic Hunan Cuisine". Due to the long history of Hunan cuisine, many readers have a certain understanding of Hunan cuisine. Classic dishes such as the well-known Mao's Braised Pork, Stir-fried Winter Bamboo Bamboo Shoots with Bacon, and Stir-fried Fat Sausage are all included in it. Not only that, in order to satisfy the readers' innovating dishes, In order to meet the needs of consumers, we have also compiled many new Hunan dishes, such as the popular roasted eggplant with minced pork, cumin mutton, etc. Whether it is classic and unforgettable Hunan cuisine or new Hunan cuisine, for the convenience of readers, we have classified each section in detail, such as cold dishes, hot dishes, aquatic products and clay pots.

Hunan cuisine pays special attention to highlighting the main flavor. Hunan cuisine uses a wide variety of seasonings, and the seasoning process varies with the texture of the raw materials, such as "stirring" to start the flavor over a quick fire, "simmering" to soak in the flavor over a slow fire, Choose from "grilled" dishes that are seasoned, or "steamed" dishes that are cooked while adding flavor. Not only that, Hunan cuisine also pays special attention to knife skills. The fine and varied knife skills directly affect the appearance and taste of Hunan cuisine. In order to enable every reader to grasp the essence of Hunan cuisine, this book also introduces the cooking methods, knife skills, seasonings and other details of Hunan cuisine to readers without reservation.

Every dish in this book is carefully created for readers. The raw materials and seasonings required for each dish are easy to purchase. It is also equipped with detailed steps, exquisite pictures and thoughtful cooking instructions. I hope every reader will become a master of Hunan cuisine after reading this book.

Due to the limited writing time, errors will inevitably appear in the book. We would be grateful if we could ask for corrections from experienced friends.

Dong Guocheng

2011.5