Laktho
A hearty and comforting Tibetan noodle soup featuring chewy, hand-pulled noodles. Simmered in a savory chicken and vegetable broth, this one-pot meal is perfect for a chilly day and brings Himalayan warmth to your kitchen.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Noodle Dough
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 0.5 tsp of salt.
- c.Gradually pour in 3/4 cup of warm water while mixing with your hand or a spoon to form a shaggy dough.
- d.Turn the dough onto a clean surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, firm, and elastic. It should not be sticky.
- e.Coat the dough lightly with oil, place it back in the bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. This step is crucial for pliable noodles.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Chicken
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- d.Add the ginger and garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- e.Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Soup Base
- b.Stir in the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and ground Sichuan peppercorns (if using).
- c.Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes break down and the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
- d.Pour in the soy sauce and mix well to combine.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Broth
- b.Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth. Add the remaining 1 tsp of salt and 0.5 tsp of black pepper.
- c.Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer while you prepare the noodles.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Pull and Cook the Noodles
- b.Take the rested dough and divide it into 2-3 manageable portions.
- c.On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion into a thin rectangle, about 1/8-inch thick.
- d.Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips about 1-inch wide.
- e.Pick up one strip, hold it by both ends, and gently stretch and pull it until it's about twice its original length and thinner. Be careful not to break it.
- f.Immediately drop the pulled noodle directly into the simmering soup. Repeat with the remaining strips.
- g.Allow the noodles to cook in the soup for 5-7 minutes. They are done when they float to the surface and are tender to the bite.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the chopped bok choy. Cook for just 1-2 minutes until the leaves are wilted but still vibrant green.
- c.Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- d.Ladle the hot Laktho into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good amount of noodles, chicken, and broth. Garnish generously with fresh spring onions and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The dough rest time is non-negotiable. It relaxes the gluten, making the noodles easy to stretch without breaking.
- 2For a richer broth, you can add a piece of star anise or a cinnamon stick while the soup simmers.
- 3Pull and drop the noodles in batches to prevent them from clumping together in the pot.
- 4If the dough feels too dry, add water one teaspoon at a time. If it's too sticky, add a little flour.
- 5For a final touch of freshness, add a handful of chopped cilantro along with the spring onions.
- 6Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the chicken. Do it in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace chicken with firm tofu or a mix of mushrooms (like shiitake and cremini). Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1-2 chopped green chilies along with the ginger and garlic paste. You can also add a swirl of chili oil to each bowl before serving.
Beef LakthoBeef Laktho
Substitute the chicken with thinly sliced beef sirloin or flank steak. Add the beef after the tomatoes have cooked down and simmer until tender.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
The chicken in this soup provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Vegetables like bok choy, tomatoes, and onions offer essential nutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and antioxidants that help protect the body from damage.
Comforting and Hydrating
As a broth-based soup, Laktho is hydrating and its warmth can be soothing, especially when you're feeling under the weather. The ginger and garlic also have immunity-boosting properties.
Frequently asked questions
Laktho can be a well-balanced and nutritious meal. It provides protein from chicken, carbohydrates from the noodles, and vitamins from vegetables like bok choy and tomatoes. Using low-sodium broth and controlling the amount of oil can make it even healthier.