Kazakh Noodles

Kazakh Noodles Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Kazakhstan

Region / culture: Kazakhstan | Preparation time: 2-3 hours | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Kazakh noodles, also known as lagman, is a traditional dish from Kazakhstan that features hand-pulled noodles served with a savory meat sauce. This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in Kazakh cuisine and is enjoyed by many around the world.

History

Kazakh noodles have been a part of Kazakh cuisine for centuries, with the dish evolving over time to incorporate different ingredients and flavors. The hand-pulled noodles are a labor of love, requiring skill and patience to create the perfect texture and consistency.

Ingredients

noodles
700 g of flour
320 g of water
0.33 tsp of baking powder
10 g of salt
50 g of vegetable oil
Tuzduk (sauce)
400 g of lamb
50 g of vegetable oil
100 g of scallions
2 cloves of garlic
50 g of ketchup
450 g of broth
salt
ground red pepper

How to prepare

Noodles: In a bowl, thoroughly mix all the ingredients. Leave the dough to rest for 2–3 hours in a cool place. Then, cut the dough into small pieces, each weighing 50-60 g Roll out each piece into a braid with a diameter of 1 cm. Evenly coat each braid with oil and set aside for 20–30 minutes. Afterward, stretch each braid to be 2-3 times its original length. Boil the pulled noodles in salted boiling water and rinse with cold running water.
Tuzduk: Fry ground lamb with chopped onion, salt, finely chopped garlic, and pepper in oil. Add ketchup and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the meat is tender. Optionally, you can add eggplants or sweet pepper to the Tuzduk. Serve Kazakh noodles in deep plates and pour Tuzduk over them. Serve hot.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by using different types of meat, such as beef or chicken, in the Tuzduk sauce. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, eggplants, or carrots for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making the noodles, be sure to let the dough rest for a few hours to allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to stretch and pull. Additionally, coating the noodles with oil before stretching them will prevent them from sticking together. When making the Tuzduk sauce, be sure to simmer the meat until it is tender to ensure a rich and flavorful sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Kazakh noodles hot in deep plates, topped with the savory Tuzduk sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is pulling and stretching the noodles by hand to achieve the desired texture. Be patient and gentle when working with the dough to create long, thin noodles.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have lamb, you can use beef or chicken in the Tuzduk sauce. You can also use store-bought noodles if you don't have time to make them from scratch.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the noodles ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The Tuzduk sauce can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Kazakh noodles in deep bowls, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of chili oil for a pop of color and flavor. You can also serve the Tuzduk sauce on the side for guests to pour over their noodles.

Pairing Recommendations

Kazakh noodles pair well with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the dish. A glass of cold, refreshing beverage like iced tea or lemonade complements the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the noodles and Tuzduk sauce in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Kazakh noodles contains approximately 500 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Carbohydrates

The noodles in this dish are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your day. Each serving of Kazakh noodles contains approximately 50g of carbohydrates.

Fats

The vegetable oil used in both the noodles and the Tuzduk sauce adds healthy fats to the dish. Each serving of Kazakh noodles contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

The lamb in the Tuzduk sauce is a great source of protein, helping to build and repair muscle tissue. Each serving of Kazakh noodles contains approximately 25g of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

The scallions and garlic in the Tuzduk sauce add vitamins and minerals to the dish, including vitamin C and potassium. Each serving of Kazakh noodles provides a good amount of essential nutrients.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (gluten) and soy (from the vegetable oil). It may also contain traces of nuts and dairy, depending on the ingredients used.

Summary

Kazakh noodles are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoying this dish in moderation as part of a varied diet can contribute to overall health and well-being.

Summary

Kazakh noodles are a delicious and comforting dish that combines hand-pulled noodles with a savory meat sauce. This recipe is a labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort. Enjoy this traditional Kazakh dish with family and friends for a memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. I had always been intrigued by the flavors and dishes of different cultures, and the thought of learning how to make Kazakh Noodles was a dream come true for me.

It all started on a sunny afternoon when my neighbor, Mrs. Zhang, invited me over for tea. As we chatted and sipped our tea, she suddenly asked me if I had ever tried Kazakh cuisine. I shook my head, admitting that I had never even heard of it.

Mrs. Zhang's eyes lit up as she told me all about her recent trip to Kazakhstan and the delicious foods she had tried there. She described the hearty and flavorful dishes, including the famous Kazakh Noodles, which she had learned to make from a local family during her stay.

I was immediately intrigued and begged Mrs. Zhang to teach me how to make the noodles. She smiled and agreed, promising to come over the next day to show me the recipe.

The next morning, Mrs. Zhang arrived at my doorstep with a bag full of ingredients and a big smile on her face. We spent the whole day in my kitchen, chopping vegetables, boiling noodles, and simmering the fragrant broth.

As the noodles cooked, Mrs. Zhang shared stories of her time in Kazakhstan, describing the beautiful landscapes, the warm hospitality of the people, and the rich culinary traditions of the country.

Finally, after hours of cooking, we sat down to enjoy a steaming bowl of Kazakh Noodles. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before - savory, spicy, and comforting all at once. I couldn't believe that I had made something so delicious with my own two hands.

From that day on, Kazakh Noodles became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family dinners, potlucks with friends, and any time I was craving a taste of Kazakhstan.

Over the years, I would tweak the recipe, adding my own touches and experimenting with different spices and ingredients. But the essence of the dish - the hearty noodles, the flavorful broth, the tender meat - always remained the same.

I learned to make Kazakh Noodles not just as a recipe, but as a connection to a faraway land and a reminder of the power of food to bring people together. And every time I make it, I am filled with gratitude for Mrs. Zhang, who introduced me to this delicious dish and opened my eyes to a whole new world of flavors and experiences.

So now, whenever I cook Kazakh Noodles, I think of Mrs. Zhang and the memories we shared in my kitchen, learning and laughing and savoring every bite. And I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, passed down from one friend to another, bridging the gap between cultures and bringing a taste of Kazakhstan into my home.