Nanxia Loach Rice Noodles

Nanxia Loach Rice Noodles

　　The selection of ingredients and processing of Nanxia loach rice noodles are both very meticulous. First, live loaches must be chosen from unpolluted paddy fields — farmed ones are not allowed. After being caught, the loaches are kept in clean water for 1-2 days to let them purge any muddy taste. One to two hours before cooking, a small amount of salt, distilled spirit lees, and monosodium glutamate is fed to the loaches to allow the flavor of the seasonings to penetrate their bodies.

　　When cooking the loaches, cold water is first added to the pot, and the cleaned loaches are poured in to let them swim around. Then the heat is turned low so that the loaches are cooked while still moving, resulting in tender and smooth flesh. Once the loaches are cooked, premium pre-soaked rice noodles along with ginger, pickled vegetables, red wine, and other seasonings are added to the loach broth — and it’s ready to eat. Authentic Nanxia loach rice noodles are prized for being tender, fragrant, soft, smooth, and fresh, no wonder its fame has spread far and wide.

　　Cooking rice noodles with loaches is not only a treat for the palate but also offers dietary therapeutic benefits. According to modern nutritional science, loaches are an excellent food — high in protein, low in fat, and rich in nutrients. Relevant sources indicate that every 100 grams of fresh loach contains 18.4 grams of protein, 3.7 grams of fat, 38 milligrams of calcium, 72 milligrams of phosphorus, 0.9 milligrams of iron, as well as abundant vitamins and niacin, making its nutritional value slightly superior even to lean pork.