What is the history of this dish?
We must remember that China has been a civilization for many years, experiencing numerous eras of transitions and evolutions. Because of this, many traditional dishes still lack exact confirmed origins; luckily, there are theories that are often considered the leading candidates for the story behind them.
The first theory speaks of a man named Li Hung Chan, who was sent by the imperial majesty to represent him in Washington. During his stay, some American friends visited him; he asked the chef to prepare the best dish with the ingredients available—though not many. Thus, he followed the instructions, mixing vegetables and meat; impressing the visitors, who immediately asked for the name of the dish, to which he replied “Chop Suey.”
The second story takes us to an unknown era, when sailors went to a restaurant late at night, but they were so hungry that they didn’t care if it was closing or if there weren’t many ingredients left. So, they combined various leftover vegetables from the day, creating this dish.
Characteristics of Chop Suey
Chop Suey is a meat-based dish cooked together with various vegetables such as green beans, peppers, and celery, finally stir-fried in a wok and served with a bit of rice.
Besides its freshness and flavor, it offers many health benefits. It is an eye health booster, antidepressant, energizer, and a great ally in fighting anemia. It also supports the cardiovascular system and aids in the formation of bone tissue.
