The Ten-Dish Muslim Feast

The Ten-Dish Muslim Feast

　　In rural Hui Muslim villages in Ningxia, whenever there is a joyous occasion such as a wedding, the locals prepare the Ten-Dish Feast to entertain their guests. This feast focuses on rich flavors and includes ten signature dishes: Braised Meatballs, Braised Sandwich Slices, Braised Shredded Tripe, Braised Lamb, Braised Fake Lotus Seeds, Braised Apples, Braised Dog-Tooth Tofu, Red-Braised Beef, Braised Crispy Meat, and Steamed Rice.

　　This rural Hui Muslim feast primarily uses lamb, beef, sheep’s stomach, potatoes, apples, tofu, glutinous rice, eggs, along with spinach, daylily, wood ear mushrooms, walnut kernels, longan, raisins, green plums, red dates, Tibetan barley, honey, white sugar, and various seasonings. Though these are common dishes, each has its own distinctive flavor. Braised Meatballs: tender and juicy meatballs in a rich, aromatic broth; Braised Sandwich Slices: soft yet chewy with a crispy exterior and tender interior; Braised Shredded Tripe: tender strips of tripe, spicy and flavorful; Braised Lamb: clear, savory broth with tender meat; Braised Fake Lotus Seeds: yellow, soft, and sweet potato balls that mimic lotus seeds, smooth and sweet; Braised Apples: served in a clear broth with golden apple slices and accents of red and green candied fruit, soft, sweet, and fragrant; Braised Dog-Tooth Tofu: soft and tender, with a thick, flavorful broth offering a unique taste; Red-Braised Beef: tender beef with a rich reddish color and deep, mellow flavor; Braised Crispy Meat: crispy, savory, and aromatic; And finally, the Steamed Rice—soft, sticky, sweet, and bursting with fruity flavors. After enjoying the Ten-Dish Muslim Feast of rural Ningxia, you will have truly experienced the unique culinary traditions of the Hui Muslim community in the region.