Harvest is Tough Work, So We Have to Eat Well!
As autumn casts its golden hues across the fields, there is an unmistakable sign of the season’s bounty: the harvest. While this time of year brings the promise of delicious food, it also signals the start of hard, rigorous work. The cornfields, now bursting with grains ready for picking, beckon us to gather the fruits of our labor. This year, our family invested a whole week into stripping the corn on the hillside, which ultimately provides the feed that sustains our beloved pigs and cattle through the long winter months.
But after such hard work, what could be better than coming together as a family to indulge in a hearty feast? This is not just about nourishing the body; it’s a celebration of our efforts, traditions, and love for one another. One dish that holds a special place in our hearts is Baoshan-style fresh copper-pot beef. Filled with robust flavors and rich aromas, this meal embodies comfort and warmth.
The Recipe: Baoshan-Style Fresh Copper-Pot Beef
Ingredients:
- Beef: 1 kg (fresh cuts preferred)
- Potatoes: 3 medium-sized, diced
- Carrots: 2 large, sliced
- Onions: 2, chopped
- Garlic: 5 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
- Soy Sauce: 4 tablespoons
- Cooking wine: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: To taste
- Pepper: To taste
- Bay leaves: 2
- Chili peppers: 2, whole (optional for a spicy kick)
- Water: Enough to cover the meat and vegetables
Instructions:
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Prepare the Meat: Begin by cutting the beef into bite-sized cubes. Season them with salt, pepper, and a splash of cooking wine. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes.
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Sauté Aromatics: In a large copper pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add in the garlic, ginger, and onions, sizzling until golden and fragrant.
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Brown the Beef: Increase the heat and add the marinated beef. Cook until the meat is well-seared on all sides.
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Add Vegetables: Toss in the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and bay leaves. If you love a bit of heat, include the whole chili peppers at this stage.
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Simmer with Sauce: Pour in the soy sauce and enough water to cover the meat and vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, covering the pot. Let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors are melded beautifully.
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Serve and Celebrate: Once ready, serve hot with a side of steamed rice. Gather your loved ones and enjoy this delightful dish, sharing stories and laughter as you savor every bite!
A Time to Reflect
Each bite of this Baoshan-style fresh copper-pot beef not only nourishes our bodies but also nourishes our souls. As we share our hard-earned meal, we are reminded of the important values of community, gratitude, and resilience. Winter is just around the corner, and it’s time to embrace the warmth of family and the joy of good food.
So, let’s celebrate the fruits of our labor with a big feast. It is a reminder that while the harvest season may be tough, the rewards are deliciously worth it. Enjoy the flavors of Yunnan cooking, and may every meal bring a little extra joy into your home!
Watch the video by 滇西小哥 Dianxi Xiaoge
Video “Harvest is tough work, so we have to eat well!【滇西小哥】” was uploaded on 11/26/2025 to Youtube Channel 滇西小哥 Dianxi Xiaoge