Lamian facts for kids
Lamian (Chinese: 拉面) is a special type of Chinese noodle. Its name means "pulled noodles" because of how it's made. The Chinese word la (拉) means to pull, and mian (面) means noodles. These noodles are famous for being stretched and folded by hand into long, thin strands.
Making lamian is like a dough dance! A chef takes a piece of dough and stretches it, folds it, and stretches it again. Each time, the dough gets thinner and longer. The number of times it's stretched changes how thick or thin the noodles become. This amazing way of making noodles has been around for a long time. The first known description of how to make lamian was written in a book called Songshi yangsheng bu by Song Xu around the year 1504.
Lamian noodles are often served in a warm, tasty soup, usually with beef or mutton. But you can also find them stir-fried! When they are stir-fried, they are called chaomian (炒面) and might come with a delicious sauce, sometimes even one that tastes a bit like tomato.
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How Lamian Noodles Are Made
Making lamian is a unique skill that takes practice. It's not like cutting noodles with a knife. Instead, the dough is stretched and pulled by hand.
The Dough and the Pulling Process
First, a special dough is prepared. It needs to be just right – not too sticky and not too dry. The chef then takes a piece of this dough. They stretch it out, fold it in half, and stretch it again. This process is repeated many times. Each time the dough is stretched, it gets longer and thinner. The weight of the dough itself helps it stretch.
Different Types of Lamian Noodles
Depending on how many times the dough is stretched and folded, the noodles can be made in many different lengths and thicknesses. Some lamian can be very thin, like spaghetti, while others might be thicker and chewier. This makes lamian very versatile, meaning it can be used in many different dishes.
Enjoying Lamian Dishes
Lamian is a popular food in China and around the world. It's known for its fresh taste and the fun of watching it being made.
Lamian in Soup
The most common way to eat lamian is in a hot, flavorful soup. Beef noodle soup, especially Lanzhou lamian, is very famous. It often includes tender slices of beef, fresh herbs, and a clear, rich broth. This makes for a comforting and filling meal.
Stir-fried Lamian
Besides soup, lamian can also be stir-fried. This means the cooked noodles are tossed in a hot pan with vegetables, meat, and sauces. Stir-fried lamian, or chaomian, offers a different texture and flavor. It's a great way to enjoy the chewy noodles with a variety of ingredients.
Images for kids
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Lanzhou lamian after repeated stretching
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Lanzhou beef noodle soup served in Melbourne
See also
In Spanish: Lamian para niños
