Morseq

Morseq

　　The "Morseq" of the Xibe people in Xinjiang means "dishes served in a bowl." This dish is made entirely from various offal parts of a sheep. Its variety, meticulous preparation, and delicious taste are rarely seen at banquets or in restaurants. The Xibe people of Xinjiang refer to this dish as a "whole sheep feast."

　　According to the customs of the Xibe people in Xinjiang, a whole sheep feast is only prepared when distinguished guests arrive or when close friends come from afar. The feast is made using fresh offal such as the sheep’s heart, liver, lungs, large intestine, small intestine, kidneys, tongue, eyes, ears, stomach, trotters, blood, and serum. Each type of offal is used to make a distinct soup-based dish, served in 16 small porcelain bowls. None of the bowls are filled to the brim, allowing for refills as diners eat, ensuring that the food stays hot. Each bowl is also sprinkled with chopped cilantro and green onions, creating a vibrant and eye-catching presentation. The aroma is rich, the flavors delightful, and the experience both comforting and satisfying.

　　Among these dishes, the most varied are those made from sheep intestines. The cleaned large and small intestines are stuffed with sheep blood, serum, liver, sheep fat, onions, minced meat, seasonings, and rice to create five or six different dishes. Each dish is carefully prepared with unique flavors. During the feast, the host will also serve a dish called “Huahua Cai,” made by pickling various vegetables. It has a slightly sour, spicy, and salty taste, offering a refreshing and light flavor that complements the whole sheep feast perfectly. While enjoying these side dishes, the host will also offer drinks, turning the meal into a more festive occasion. After the drinks, the host serves sheep soup and lamb, along with very thin, hand-pressed flatbreads. These flatbreads are also a "specialty" of the Xibe people—fragrant, soft, and incredibly tasty. Preparing a whole sheep feast takes a lot of effort, and eating it is a lengthy affair, usually lasting over two hours.