Entree: China – Henan – 羊肉汤配馍 ➤ Yángròu tāng pèi mó (A clear, slow-simmered mutton broth traditionally served with torn or toasted flatbread for dipping)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 2 hrs 5 min

Total 2 hrs 20 min

Ingredients

- 2 lb (908 g) bone-in mutton (neck or shank), cut into large pieces
- 8 cups (1.9 L) cold water
- 1 large onion, quartered, about 1 cup (150 g)
- 2-inch (5 cm) piece fresh ginger, sliced, about 1 oz (30 g)
- 2 star anise
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp (6 g) kosher salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground white pepper, plus more for serving
- 2 scallions, sliced for garnish
- 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
- 4 flatbreads (mo), about 4 oz (115 g) each
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil (for toasting or pan-browning bread if desired)

Instructions

1. Rinse the mutton pieces, then blanch in a pot of boiling water for 2–3 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse the meat and pot.
2. Return the blanched mutton to the pot, add 8 cups (1.9 L) cold water, onion, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
3. Skim any foam during the first 20 minutes, then cover and simmer gently until the mutton is very tender, about 1.5–2 hours.
4. Remove the mutton pieces; strain the broth into a clean pot, discarding solids. Pull the meat from the bones, shred or chop coarsely, and return the meat to the strained broth.
5. Stir in light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, salt, and white pepper. Simmer uncovered 5–10 minutes to meld flavors; adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Meanwhile, warm the flatbreads: split or score and toast lightly in a dry skillet with a little vegetable oil, or heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed and slightly crisp on the surface.
7. To serve, tear each flatbread into bite-sized pieces and place in bowls. Ladle hot mutton soup and shredded meat over the bread so it soaks up the broth. Garnish with sliced scallions and cilantro, and offer additional white pepper at the table.