Discover the rich flavors of Lagman, a beloved dish featuring hand-pulled noodles paired with a savory, spicy meat and vegetable stew. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Lagman with a perfect balance of spices and textures, making it a must-try for food enthusiasts. Learn how to make this delicious dish at home with our easy-to-follow recipe and enjoy a taste of culinary tradition.

Ingredients:

For the Hand-Pulled Noodles:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup warm water

- 1/2 tsp salt

- 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Meat and Vegetable Stew:

- 500g beef or lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

- 1 large onion, chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 bell pepper, sliced

- 2 carrots, sliced

- 2 tomatoes, diced

- 2 tbsp tomato paste

- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

- 2 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tbsp vinegar

- 1 tsp ground cumin

- 1 tsp paprika

- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Make the Noodles:

- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a dough forms.

- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

- Divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a thin sheet and stretch the dough by hand to form long, thin noodles. 

Prepare the Stew:

- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef or lamb pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.

- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent.

- Add the bell pepper, carrots, and tomatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.

- Return the browned meat to the pot and add the broth, soy sauce, vinegar, cumin, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Cook the Noodles:

- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the hand-pulled noodles and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water.

Assemble the Dish:

- Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the meat and vegetable stew over the noodles.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Enjoy your homemade Lagman with its rich, flavorful stew and perfectly chewy noodles!

Nutritional Value:

Flour (all-purpose):

 - Calories: 455

 - Protein: 13g

 - Carbohydrates: 95g

 - Fiber: 3g

 - Fat: 1g

Benefits: Provides a significant source of carbohydrates, which are essential for energy. However, all-purpose flour lacks some of the nutrients found in whole grains.

Beef or Lamb:

 - Calories: 250-300 (varies by cut and fat content)

 - Protein: 26g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Fat: 20g (varies by cut)

Benefits: Rich in high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are important for muscle growth, immune function, and overall health.

Vegetable Oil:

 - Calories: 120

 - Protein: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Fat: 14g

Benefits: Provides essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Choose oils with high monounsaturated fat content for better heart health.

Onion:

 - Calories: 44

 - Protein: 1g

 - Carbohydrates: 10g

 - Fiber: 2g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:Contains antioxidants, such as quercetin, and compounds that support heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic:

 - Calories: 4

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Fiber: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Rich in allicin, which has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Supports cardiovascular health.

Bell Pepper:

 - Calories: 37

 - Protein: 1g

 - Carbohydrates: 9g

 - Fiber: 3g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: High in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber, which support immune function and overall health.

Carrots:

 - Calories: 25

 - Protein: 0.5g

 - Carbohydrates: 6g

 - Fiber: 2g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Excellent source of vitamin A (beta-carotene), which supports vision, immune health, and skin health.

Tomatoes:

 - Calories: 22

 - Protein: 1g

 - Carbohydrates: 5g

 - Fiber: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and lycopene, which have antioxidant properties and support heart health.

Tomato Paste:

 - Calories: 30

 - Protein: 1g

 - Carbohydrates: 7g

 - Fiber: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Concentrated source of tomatoes' nutrients, including lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Beef or Vegetable Broth:

 - Calories: 15-30 (varies by type)

 - Protein: 1-3g

 - Carbohydrates: 1-2g

 - Fat: 0-1g

Benefits: Adds flavor and provides some nutrients; choose low-sodium options to reduce salt intake.

Soy Sauce:

 - Calories: 10

 - Protein: 1g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Adds umami flavor; however, it's high in sodium, so use in moderation.

Vinegar:

 - Calories: 3

 - Protein: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: May aid digestion and help control blood sugar levels. 

Ground Cumin:

 - Calories: 8

 - Protein: 0.4g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Fat: 0.5g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Supports digestion and may improve metabolic health.

Paprika:

 - Calories: 6

 - Protein: 0.3g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Fat: 0.3g

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants like capsaicin, which supports immune health and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Chili Flakes:

 - Calories: 6

 - Protein: 0.3g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Fat: 0.3g

Benefits: Contains capsaicin, which can boost metabolism and help with pain relief.

Fresh Cilantro or Parsley:

 - Calories: 1

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.3g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Provides vitamins A, C, and K, and has antioxidant properties. Supports digestive health and can enhance flavor without added calories. 

These ingredients not only contribute to the rich flavor of Lagman but also offer various health benefits, making the dish both nutritious and delicious.