Mashed Potatoes (Yangyu Qiuzi)

Mashed Potatoes (Yangyu Qiuzi)

　　Mashed Potatoes (Yangyu Qiuzi)

　　Potatoes, known as "yangyu" in Chinese, are a staple food for the people of Zhenyuan. Dubbed a "staple dish," they serve both as a vegetable and a main course. During times of famine and food scarcity, people relied on them to survive. The folk saying “To fill your belly, eat potatoes and bottle gourd” was popular back then. In Zhenyuan, there are many ways to prepare potatoes, one of the more famous being "Sautéed Potato Shreds," a well-known local snack. Here we introduce Yangyu Qiuzi, a simple yet uniquely flavored dish commonly eaten as a "staple" by rural families. First, the potatoes are cut into strips. Then, an appropriate amount of flour is mixed with chopped scallions, salt, various seasonings, and a little water to form a crumbly mixture. The cut potato strips are added and stirred evenly, then steamed in a steamer until cooked. When eating, add a few drops of aged vinegar and a spoonful of chili oil for a fragrant and delicious taste — truly another distinctive local snack.