Sweet Wheat Noodles

Ingredients

• Wheat flour 300g
• Water 120ml
• Cucumber 1, julienned
• Bean sprouts 100g
• Sesame paste 30g
• Black vinegar 30ml
• Soy sauce 15ml
• Sugar 15g
• Chili oil 10ml
• Minced garlic 10g
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Salt to taste

Cooking Steps

1. 1. Make the dough: Mix flour with water and a pinch of salt. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth. Rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2. Roll the dough into thin sheets and cut into wide flat noodles with a knife.
3. 3. Boil the noodles in plenty of water for 3-4 minutes, until cooked through but still al dente. Rinse immediately with cold water and drain.
4. 4. Blanch the bean sprouts in boiling water for 30 seconds. Rinse with cold water.
5. 5. Prepare the sauce: Mix sesame paste (add a little water to dilute), vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, chili oil, and minced garlic.
6. 6. Place noodles in a bowl and top with cucumber and bean sprouts. Drizzle with sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Cultural Tips

Qinghai's cuisine is a melting pot of Han, Tibetan, Hui and Salar culinary traditions. These sweet noodles showcase the influence of China’s heartland while incorporating local ingredients and Northwest China’s penchant for bold flavors.