Pingyao Knife-Shaved Noodles

Pingyao Knife-Shaved Noodles

　　【Ingredients】 1000g premium flour, 500g water

　　 【Method】 Put the flour in a basin and mix with water (water temperature: warm in winter, cool in spring, summer, and autumn), form a fluff, knead until smooth and even, let rest briefly, then roll out into strips 1/10 inch thick and 7–8 inches wide. Sprinkle with flour (preferably premium flour) and fold into six layers, then place on a specially made smooth small wooden board (commonly called the shaving board). Using a specially made double-ended knife with handles, hold one end in each hand and shave the noodles forward one slice at a time at a rate of 90 strokes per minute. Boil in water until cooked, and they’re ready to serve.

　　 【Features】 The noodles are triangular in cross-section. They have a chewy, smooth, and refreshing texture.

　　 Note: These noodles are honored as one of the Four Famous Noodles of Pingyao, Shanxi, and are widely consumed by the people of central Shanxi’s Pingyao. They can be served with either vegetarian or meat-based toppings, or with thickened sauce, and can also be enjoyed in soup.