Method:
1. Drop the ban tiao into fully boiling water and stir gently so they do not stick.
2. Turn the heat to medium, add half a cup of cold water and cook for about 3 minutes.
3. Add whatever vegetables or toppings you like.
4. Add a little natural molasses-based seasoning to round out the sweetness of the broth, and enough natural sea salt to bring out the flavour of everything in the pot.
5. Stir in shallot sauce to taste, or add it to the bowl while everything is still hot. That is your Meinong ban tiao, and it will fill the room.
A quicker alternative:
Cook the broth and vegetables in a separate pan. Put the drained ban tiao in a bowl, arrange the vegetables and toppings on top, add shallot sauce to taste,
and pour over the hot broth.
A word from us: get the basics right and then do as you please. Cooking is meant to be enjoyable — try it, and have some fun with it.