Easy 5 step recipe to make LONGEVITY NOODLES

Long-life noodles or longevity noodles are usually prepared on occasions like birthdays, Chinese New Year and other celebrations in China. While cooking, they are never broken or cut by the cook and it is considered auspicious if they are eaten without biting or cutting the noodle strands. 

They are a staple in China on special occasions and symbolise long life for the person eating them. They are prepared with wheat instead of rice so that they don’t break easily and have a spongy texture. Try this simple 5-step recipe to make these noodles at home and aim for a long life!

Step 1

Cook 2 cups of soybean sprouts in water by putting them in a strainer and lowering it in the boiling water. Blanch them for 7-10 seconds and then remove them and rinse with cold water.  In another pot of water, blanch 400 grams of snow peas with their strings and tips removed and cook for a minute. Rinse with cold water and keep aside.

Step 2

In another pot of water, boil 200 grams of Chinese egg noodles till they become al dente and then remove them from heat. Strain them and put them under running cold water to stop the cooking process. Keep aside.

Step 3

Heat some peanut oil in a wok, and add 2 cloves of garlic pressed and 1 inch of peeled and grated ginger. To this, add some julienned carrots, sliced red bell peppers and thinly sliced water chestnuts and sliced shiitake mushrooms. 

Step 4

Add 1 cup of vegetable stock to the wok. Now add 4 tbsp of oyster sauce, salt and a mixture of 2 tbsp cornstarch and 3 tbsp water. 

Step 5

Add the snow peas, 2 roughly chopped scallions. Cook for 2-3 minutes till the sauce thickens and the vegetables become slightly tender. Add the noodles and cook for 25-30 seconds. Serve.

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