John Myers
Introduction: The Mongolian cuisine and noodles
Mongolian cuisine is a reflection of the country’s nomadic lifestyle and harsh climate. The traditional diet includes meat, dairy products, and grains. Noodles are also a popular ingredient in many Mongolian dishes. These noodles are made from wheat flour and are usually hand-cut into thin strips. They are used in soups, stews, and stir-fries and provide a hearty and filling meal.
Buuz: A traditional dumpling dish with noodle filling
Buuz is a popular dish in Mongolia and is similar to Chinese dumplings. It consists of a thin, wheat flour dough filled with minced meat and vegetables. However, the unique feature of Mongolian buuz is the noodle filling. The noodles are first cooked and then mixed with the meat and vegetables before being wrapped in the dough. The buuz is then steamed and served hot with a side of spicy dipping sauce.
Buuz is often eaten as a snack or appetizer, but it can also be a main course. It is a significant part of Mongolian cuisine, especially during the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Khuushuur: A savory pastry with noodle and meat stuffing
Khuushuur is another popular Mongolian dish that uses noodles as a filling. It is a deep-fried pastry made from a wheat flour dough that is stuffed with minced meat, onions, and noodles. The noodles are boiled and mixed with the meat and onions before being stuffed into the pastry.
The khuushuur is then deep-fried until golden and crispy. It is served hot with a side of sour cream or spicy dipping sauce. Khuushuur is a delicious and filling snack that is commonly found in Mongolian street food vendors.
Tsuivan: A stir-fried noodle dish with vegetables and meat
Tsuivan is a stir-fried noodle dish that is a staple in Mongolian cuisine. It is made with hand-cut noodles, meat (usually beef or mutton), and vegetables such as carrots, onions, and potatoes. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and other spices, giving it a savory and aromatic flavor.
The dish is cooked in a large wok over an open flame, giving it a smoky flavor. The noodles are cooked until they are slightly crispy, adding a crunchy texture to the dish. Tsuivan is a popular comfort food in Mongolia and is often enjoyed during cold winter months.
Gooliash: A soup with beef, vegetables, and handmade noodles
Gooliash is a hearty soup that is perfect for cold days. It is made with beef, vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, and handmade noodles. The noodles are made by hand, giving them a unique texture and flavor.
The soup is cooked for several hours until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft. The result is a rich and flavorful broth that is perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Gooliash is served hot with a side of crusty bread.
Bantan: A hearty soup with lamb, vegetables, and noodle dumplings
Bantan is a traditional Mongolian soup that is similar to a stew. It is made with lamb, vegetables such as carrots and onions, and noodle dumplings. The dumplings are made with wheat flour and are shaped into small balls.
The soup is cooked for several hours until the lamb is tender and the vegetables are soft. The dumplings are added to the soup towards the end of the cooking process and are cooked until they are soft and chewy. Bantan is a hearty and filling meal that is perfect for cold winter days. It is often served with a side of crusty bread.
