Entree: Bhutan – Central Culinary Region – པུ་ཏ་ ➤ puta (Buckwheat noodle stir-fry with meat, vegetables, and Bhutanese chilies)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 25 min

Cook 12 min

Additional 20 min

Total 40 min

Ingredients

- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) buckwheat flour
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm water
- 1 tsp (6 g) salt, divided
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil, plus extra for frying
- 12 oz (340 g) pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 fresh Bhutanese chilies or other hot red chilies, thinly sliced
- 4 scallions, sliced on the bias
- 1 cup (85 g) shredded cabbage (optional)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tsp (5 ml) rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) ground black pepper
- Extra butter or ghee to finish, to taste

Instructions

1. Combine buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Gradually add warm water and mix to form a firm dough. Knead briefly until smooth, cover, and rest 20 minutes.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a thin sheet and cut into 1/4-inch (6 mm) wide noodles. Dust with flour to prevent sticking.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fresh noodles 2–3 minutes until just tender, drain and toss with a little oil to keep separate.
4. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced pork, season with 1/4 tsp salt and black pepper, and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 4–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
5. In the same pan, add butter. Sauté onion until translucent, about 3 minutes, then add garlic and chilies and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Add shredded cabbage (if using) and scallions, stir 1–2 minutes. Return pork to the pan.
7. Add cooked noodles, soy sauce, and rice vinegar or lime juice. Toss vigorously to combine and heat through, adjusting seasoning with remaining salt as needed.
8. Finish with an extra pat of butter or ghee for shine and richness. Serve hot, garnished with extra sliced scallions and whole chilies if desired.