Heichi Mutton糊饽

Heichi Mutton糊饽

　　Mutton糊孛 is a specialty snack from Heichi Town, Heyang County, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province. According to local legend, the mutton糊孛 of Heichi Town was introduced by the Mongolian people during the Yuan Dynasty and has been preserved ever since. Known for its rich oiliness, delicious taste, low price, and great value, it is hailed as one of the Four Famous Snacks of the Guanzhong region.

　　There was once a popular saying: “Better to eat a plate of糊孛 than a whole table of feast dishes,” which shows just how much it is beloved by the locals.

　　The preparation of Heichi Mutton糊孛 is highly meticulous. Cooking the mutton requires ten key seasonings: star anise, cinnamon, long pepper, galangal, pepper, fennel, coarse salt, cardamom, cloves, and others. The heat must also be carefully controlled. The flatbread is made with hot water dough, mixed with fine salt and alkaline water, kneaded evenly, and rolled into circles about one foot in diameter. It is then cooked on a griddle until crisp and golden but without burnt spots. Though thin, the bread is chewy. It is folded and cut with a sharp knife into strips about three inches long and of uniform width, then set aside. When eating, it should not be boiled all together in a big pot. Instead, it is usually cooked in small portions—either in a wok or a small iron pot—with one or two plates at a time. The strips are cooked in the original mutton broth, with added mutton fat chili oil and chopped scallions, then served on a flat plate. The vibrant red color, rich oiliness, and inviting aroma are sure to whet anyone’s appetite.

　　According to local custom in Heyang, after the beginning of spring, when all things come back to life, eating mutton is believed to trigger the recurrence of old illnesses. Additionally, since ewes are often pregnant at this time and not suitable for slaughter, both clear broth mutton and mutton糊孛 disappear from the markets after the Start of Spring and do not reappear until the sixth lunar month. By then, the sheep are well-fed and the broth is rich—perfect for a hearty meal. Nowadays, with market development, delicious Heichi Mutton糊孛 can be enjoyed all year round.