Mala (seasoning)
| Mala | |||||||||||||||||||
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Jiāomájī (椒麻雞), cold chicken julienne flavored with mala | |||||||||||||||||||
| Chinese | 麻辣 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Mala is a numbing and pungent seasoning derived from Szechuan peppercorn and chili. Most commonly, mala is made into a sauce (麻辣醬 málàjiàng) by simmering it in oil and other spices. Characteristic of Sichuan cuisine, particularly Chongqing cuisine, it has become one of the most popular and synthesized ingredients in Chinese cuisine.