China's latest culinary craze: Fried stones, or suodiu
No one in Europe would likely consider using them for dishes. However, the Chinese can consume products that Europeans might never have imagined. This is precisely the case with suodiu.
Chinese cuisine continues to surprise Europeans. It is often said that the Chinese can eat virtually anything, and there is a lot of truth in this. The list of delicacies includes fried insects, scorpions, animal brains, and small birds. Now, fried stones, or suodiu, have been added to the list.
What is suodiu? How are stones prepared?
It is literally "the world's hardest dish," says a report from CNN. This dish originates from the Hubei province in eastern China. And it's true, because suodiu (meaning "suck and throw away") consists of stones fried with spices. Anyone wanting to try them is given instructions by the vendors – you need to suck them and then spit them out.
Videos have surfaced on Chinese social media showing how to prepare this distinctive dish. The small stones are heated on a grill, drizzled with chilli oil, garlic sauce, and then fried with garlic and pepper. The sautéed stones are then packaged in small boxes.
Where did the idea for such a dish originate?
Suodiu has a very long history, with the recipe being passed down through generations of sailors. In ancient times, when they ran out of food while working, they started preparing stones this way.
This unique dish satisfies enthusiasts of spicy flavours, although you must be very careful with your teeth while consuming it.
