Acacia Flower Noodles

Acacia Flower Noodles

　    Acacia Flower Noodles are a specialty of Handan, Hebei Province.

　　How to make Acacia Flower Noodles: The main ingredients are thin noodles with acacia flowers as a secondary component. Acacia flowers are usually picked using a hook, and it's best to choose unopened flower buds—avoid picking those near roadsides. After picking, rinse the flowers several times to remove leaves and clean them thoroughly. Blanch them in hot water and then drain slightly. Next, mix in the seasonings—salt, oil, soy sauce, chicken essence, mashed garlic, scallions, and sesame oil—with the acacia flowers, stir well, and let marinate for 10–15 minutes. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Heat half a pot of water until boiling, shape the noodles into sections, add a bit of oil and mix with the noodles, then steam in the pot for 15–20 minutes. Finally, combine the two and serve—a steaming pot of fragrant acacia flower noodles is ready.