How to Make Authentic Uzbek Lagman with Hand-Pulled Noodles

Simple Summary

Uzbek Lagman is a hearty Central Asian dish featuring hand-pulled noodles in a savory meat and vegetable sauce. This recipe guides you through creating authentic, chewy noodles from scratch and pairing them with a flavorful, aromatic stew.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

For the noodles:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the sauce:

• 1 lb beef or lamb, cut into small cubes
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Make the noodle dough: a. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. b. Make a well in the center and add the egg, water, and oil. c. Mix and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. d. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the sauce: a. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. b. Brown the meat for 5-7 minutes. c. Add onions and garlic, cook for 3 minutes. d. Add carrots and bell pepper, cook for 5 minutes. e. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. f. Pour in broth and water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.

3. Hand-pull the noodles: a. Divide dough into 8 portions. b. Roll each portion into a rope, then stretch and slap against the counter. c. Continue stretching and folding until noodles are thin and long.

4. Cook the noodles: a. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. b. Cook noodles for 3-5 minutes until al dente. c. Drain and rinse with cold water.

5. Serve: a. Place noodles in bowls. b. Ladle hot sauce over noodles. c. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Chef's Notes

• For easier noodle-pulling, oil your hands lightly.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought thick noodles instead of hand-pulled.
• The sauce can be made ahead and reheated, but fresh noodles are best made just before serving.
• Adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes to taste.

Nutritional Info

Per serving: Approximately 650 calories. This dish is high in protein from the meat, and provides a good source of complex carbohydrates from the noodles. It's rich in vitamins A and C from the vegetables, and contains iron from the beef.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Uzbek Lagman hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley. Pair with a simple side salad of cucumber and tomatoes dressed with vinegar and oil. For a complete Uzbek experience, serve with non (Central Asian flatbread) and finish the meal with green tea. This hearty dish is perfect for cold winter evenings or when you're craving a comforting, satisfying meal.