Authentic Mongolian Recipes: Prepare Traditional Indigenous Delicacies at Home Using Everyday Supermarket Ingredients
Mongolian cuisine is a fascinating blend of flavors and techniques, reflecting the country’s nomadic history and harsh climate. It’s hearty, meat-centric, and often dairy-based, with a focus on simple, filling dishes that can be prepared over an open fire. While some ingredients may be unique to Mongolia, many can be found in your local supermarket, allowing you to recreate these traditional dishes at home. Let’s explore some authentic Mongolian recipes that you can prepare using everyday supermarket ingredients.
Mongolian Beef
Despite its name, Mongolian Beef is not a traditional Mongolian dish but a Chinese-American creation. However, it does incorporate flavors and techniques found in Mongolian cuisine, making it a great introduction to the style. The dish features thinly sliced beef stir-fried with green onions in a savory-sweet sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Slice the steak into thin strips and toss with cornstarch.
- In a separate bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook until browned.
- Add the sauce to the pan and stir to coat the steak. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Top with green onions and serve over rice.
Mongolian Milk Tea (Suutei Tsai)
Mongolian Milk Tea, or Suutei Tsai, is a staple in Mongolian households. It’s a salty tea that’s often served with meals or used in cooking. The unique flavor comes from the combination of black tea, milk, and salt.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 2 black tea bags
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Bring the water to a boil in a pot.
- Add the tea bags and let them steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and add the milk and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Serve hot.
These are just a few examples of the delicious and unique dishes you can create using Mongolian recipes and everyday supermarket ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes offer a taste of Mongolia’s rich culinary tradition.