Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles: A Silky Taste of the Northwest

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  In the early morning of Lanzhou, in front of a noodle shop, the master is skillfully pulling noodles, and the steaming hot noodles attract the early risers.
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  In a home kitchen, a father is teaching his child how to pull noodles, with flour flying around, creating a warm family atmosphere.
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  At the food festival, a long queue has formed at the Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles stall, with people eager to taste the chewy noodles and the delicious broth.
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  In the university cafeteria, students line up for a bowl of steaming Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles, a small bliss in their busy study lives.
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  During a train journey, passengers enjoy a bowl of Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles in the dining car, with the fatigue of the trip easing in the steaming noodles.
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  During office lunchtime, colleagues gather around a table, sharing Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles delivered by takeout, enhancing their friendship.
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  In the photography studio, the photographer is capturing a beautifully styled bowl of Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles, focusing on the chewiness of the noodles and the clarity of the broth.

A: The Culture and Flavor of Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles

Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles, originating from Lanzhou City in Gansu Province, Northwest China, is a renowned dish known for its unique noodle-making technique and rich cultural significance.

Cultural Background:

The history of Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles dates back to the Qing Dynasty and was first created by a Hui Muslim named Ma Baozi. It is not only a traditional specialty of Lanzhou but also an essential part of Chinese noodle culture. With its "clear soup, tender meat, thin noodles, and red chili oil," it is beloved by food enthusiasts.

Features:

The specialty of Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles lies in its unique hand-pulling process, where the dough is repeatedly stretched and folded, creating a chewy texture. Additionally, the broth is exceptional, typically made from beef or mutton bones, offering a rich and nutritious flavor.

Taste and Texture:

The taste of Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles is primarily savory and fragrant, with a perfect combination of the broth's richness and the noodles' chewiness, creating a unique eating experience. The noodles are smooth and elastic, while the soup is rich without being greasy, leaving a lasting impression.

Appearance:

A traditional bowl of Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles features clear soup, thin and even noodles, topped with slices of beef or lamb and green cilantro, presenting a vivid color palette that whets the appetite.

Nutritional Value:

The beef or lamb in the noodles is rich in protein and various trace elements, beneficial to health. The noodles provide abundant carbohydrates, a source of energy. Moreover, the bone broth is rich in calcium, aiding bone health.

B: The Making of Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles

Ingredients:

• High-gluten flour

• Beef or mutton

• Beef or mutton bones

• Cilantro

• Green onions

• Ginger

• Garlic

• Chili oil

• Salt

• Cooking wine

Tools:

• Pot

• Knife, cutting board

• Rolling pin

• Sieve

Preparation of Ingredients:

1. Clean the beef or mutton and cut it into pieces.

2. Clean the beef or mutton bones and blanch them to remove any strong flavors.

3. Knead the high-gluten flour with water into dough and let it rest.

Cooking Steps:

1. Place the beef or mutton bones in a pot, add enough water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer until the soup turns white.

2. Stretch and fold the dough repeatedly to form long, thin noodles.

3. Boil the pulled noodles until cooked, then drain and set aside.

4. Filter the broth to remove any impurities, add beef or mutton pieces, and continue simmering.

5. Once the meat is tender, season with salt, pour into a bowl, add the cooked noodles, sprinkle with cilantro and green onions, and drizzle with chili oil.

Seasoning Tips:

• The simmering of the broth is crucial, requiring control over heat and time to ensure its savory flavor.

• The preparation of chili oil is also particular, requiring the chilies and spices to be fried until fragrant before adding hot oil.

Serving Suggestions:

• It's best to enjoy Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles while they're hot to ensure the best taste and texture.

• Adjust the spiciness and tanginess by adding chili oil and vinegar according to your preference.