The origins of You Mian Kao Lao Lao (莜面栲栳栳), a traditional Shanxi dish, can be traced back over 1,400 years to the late Sui Dynasty and early Tang Dynasty. According to local folklore, when Li Yuan, the Duke of Tang, was exiled to Taiyuan, he passed by the ancient Panggu Temple at Mount Lingkong. The elderly abbot there prepared this special dish made from You (a type of oat) flour to welcome him. Later, when Li Yuan became Emperor, he sent the abbot to Wutai Mountain. During the journey, the abbot passed through Jingle County, where he saw the first harvest of You wheat. He taught the locals how to prepare this unique noodle dish, and it quickly spread across Shanxi, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Shandong, and other northern regions, becoming a beloved dish in mountainous areas.
Preparation Method
- Ingredients: The main ingredient is You wheat flour, sometimes mixed with a small amount of water.
- Kneading the Dough: The flour must be mixed with freshly boiled water, gradually stirring the water into the flour to create a snowflake-like texture. After cooling slightly, the mixture is kneaded into a smooth dough. The dough must be of the right consistency—too soft or too hard will affect the final texture and taste.
- Rolling and Shaping: After kneading, the dough is divided into small portions. Each portion is rolled into thin sheets using a rolling pin, and then these sheets are carefully rolled into tubular shapes. These rolls are placed in a steamer to create the characteristic honeycomb-like structure. This step requires skill and precision to ensure that the final dish is both visually appealing and has the ideal texture.
- Steaming: The rolls of You Mian Kao Lao Lao are placed in a steamer over boiling water and steamed for 10 to 15 minutes. Proper timing is critical—under-steaming can result in an unpleasant grainy texture, while over-steaming can make the rolls soft and cause them to collapse, losing their chewy texture and flavor.
Taste and Flavor
When freshly steamed, You Mian Kao Lao Lao emits a strong and pleasant oat fragrance. The texture is firm and chewy, with a rich, nutty flavor. Depending on personal taste, it can be served with a variety of condiments, such as chopped green onions, cilantro, chili oil, and other seasonings, enhancing its flavor and adding complexity to the dish.
Cultural Significance
In Shanxi, You Mian Kao Lao Lao is not just a delicious everyday food; it holds deep cultural meaning. It is commonly served at family gatherings, during the celebration of an elder’s birthday, or when celebrating a child’s first month. The dish symbolizes wishes for strength, harmony, and longevity. In some mountain areas, it is also eaten by newlyweds during their marriage ceremonies to symbolize the hope for a long-lasting and harmonious union. At the end of the year, families often eat You Mian Kao Lao Lao to pray for health, prosperity, and familial harmony in the coming year.
