Bansh Tail Soup
A hearty and comforting soup featuring small, meat-filled dumplings (bansh) simmered in a rich broth, often made with lamb or mutton tail for added depth of flavor. This dish is a staple in Mongolian cuisine, providing warmth and nourishment.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Lamb or mutton tail(cut into chunks)
- 3 liters Water
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Carrot(diced)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Dill or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- For the Bansh (dumplings):
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 250 g Ground lamb or beef
- 1/4 cup Onion(finely minced)
- 1 clove Garlic(minced)
- to taste Salt and pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, combine the lamb/mutton tail and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
💡 Tip: This step is crucial for a clear and flavorful broth. - 2
Add the chopped onion and diced carrot to the pot. Continue to simmer until the meat is tender.
- 3
While the broth simmers, prepare the bansh dough: In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add water, mixing until a firm dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.
- 4
For the bansh filling, combine ground meat, minced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
- 5
Roll out the rested dough thinly on a floured surface. Cut into small squares (about 2x2 inches). Place a small amount of filling in the center of each square. Fold the dough over to create a triangle, then pinch the edges to seal. You can also bring the two bottom corners together to form a crescent shape.
- 6
Remove the lamb/mutton tail from the broth and set aside. Strain the broth to remove solids, then return the clear broth to the pot.
- 7
Bring the broth back to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the prepared bansh into the simmering broth. Cook until the bansh float to the surface and are cooked through.
- 8
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley. The cooked lamb/mutton tail can be shredded and added back to the soup or served on the side.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using mutton tail provides a richer, more authentic flavor.
- ✓Ensure the bansh are well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- ✓The broth can be made ahead of time and reheated.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips to the broth.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the bansh filling.