Cuisine : Laghman - how to prepare this central Asian noodle soup

 

Laghman is a traditional Central Asian noodle dish often served with a flavorful meat and vegetable sauce. Here's a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

- 500g hand-pulled or store-bought noodles

- 300g beef or lamb, thinly sliced

- 2 large onions, thinly sliced

- 3 carrots, julienned

- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes

- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Noodles:**

   - Cook noodles according to package instructions. If using hand-pulled noodles, boil until tender. Drain and set aside.

2. **Cook the Meat:**

   - In a large pot or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat.

   - Add sliced meat and brown it on all sides.

3. **Saute Vegetables:**

   - Add onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until onions are translucent.

   - Add carrots and bell peppers, cooking until vegetables are slightly softened.

4. **Spice it Up:**

   - Stir in cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices.

5. **Add Tomatoes:**

   - Pour in the chopped tomatoes with their juices. Stir and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

6. **Combine with Noodles:**

   - Add the cooked noodles to the pot. Mix everything together gently to ensure the noodles are well coated with the sauce.

7. **Serve:**

   - Dish out the Laghman into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Enjoy your homemade Laghman! Adjust the spice levels and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.