Entree: Mongolia – Southern Culinary Region – Гурилтай шөл ➤ Guriltai shöl (Hearty Mongolian wheat-noodle soup with meat in a clear savory broth)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 40 min

Cook 1 hr 10 min

Additional 20 min

Total 2 hrs

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) mutton or lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
- 8 cups (1.9 L) water
- 1 tsp (5 g) sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil or melted animal fat
- 2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
- 3 stalks green onion, sliced (whites and greens separated)
- For the noodles: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp (3 g) salt for dough
- 2/3 cup (160 ml) warm water (adjust as needed) for dough
- 1 egg (optional, for richer noodles)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh dill or cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add the mutton pieces and brown lightly on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.
2. Add sliced onion and the white parts of the green onion; sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Pour in 8 cups (1.9 L) water and bring to a boil, skimming any foam. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, 45–60 minutes until meat is tender.
3. Meanwhile make the noodles: in a bowl combine 2 cups (250 g) flour and 1/2 tsp (3 g) salt. Make a well and add 2/3 cup (160 ml) warm water and egg if using. Mix to form a firm dough, then knead 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and rest 20 minutes.
4. Roll the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness and cut into thin strips (approx. 1/4-inch / 6 mm wide) for hand-cut noodles. Toss lightly with a little flour to prevent sticking.
5. When the meat is tender, add sliced carrots, salt, and pepper to the simmering broth and cook 8–10 minutes until carrots begin to soften.
6. Bring broth to a gentle boil and add the fresh noodles. Cook 3–5 minutes until noodles are tender and cooked through.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in the green parts of the green onion and garnish with chopped dill or cilantro if desired. Serve hot in bowls with generous pieces of meat and noodles.