In Cao Bang , corn is not only an important food crop but also the main source of livelihood for the ethnic minorities here. To have quality corn cobs to make men men, people must choose good corn varieties, usually sticky corn or local corn with firm, plump and sticky grains.
When making men men, people will take dry corn cobs, peel them, separate the kernels and put them in a stone mortar to grind. This is a time-consuming and laborious process. In the past, most families had a large stone mortar to grind corn. This job was usually done by women, but sometimes men also helped, especially during holidays, Tet or when preparing large amounts of food for the whole family. Grinding corn with a stone mortar requires technique, the grinder must keep a steady rhythm, not too fast or too slow so that the corn flour has the right fineness and does not clump. After grinding, the corn flour will be sifted to remove any remaining husks and grit. This is the step that helps men men have a smoother and more delicious taste when eaten.
Unlike rice or sticky rice that is cooked directly with water, men men must go through the process of steaming many times to ensure even cooking and not being dry and hard. In the first steaming, the sifted corn flour is mixed with a little water to create moisture, then put into a steamer on a wood stove. The cook must keep the heat just right, not too strong to avoid drying out the flour. After about 15 - 20 minutes, the corn flour will be taken out, stirred to let the steam escape. In the next times, after it has cooled down, the corn flour continues to be mixed with water and steamed. This time helps men men to be soft and chewy, not crumbly and when eaten, it has the natural sweetness of corn.
Rustic men men dish.
After being cooked, Men Men has a golden yellow color and a light aroma of corn. Men Men is often eaten with soups such as: vegetable soup, pumpkin soup, bone broth, or braised chicken soup to create a soft and easy-to-eat texture. On cold winter days, a hot bowl of Men Men with a bowl of soup is a dish that helps keep the body warm and provides energy for a long day of work.
Men men is not only a simple dish but also bears the cultural mark of the Cao Bang ethnic groups. It is closely associated with the working life, from planting corn, harvesting, grinding to cooking. During holidays and Tet, men men is an indispensable dish on the ancestral altar, expressing gratitude to the ancestors. In daily meals, men men helps maintain the endurance of workers, because corn is an easily digestible, energy-rich food. Or for tourists, this is a typical dish that helps them understand more about the culture and customs of the highland people.
Mr. Tran Trong Nam, a tourist from Hanoi , shared: When I was introduced to Men Men, I was a bit surprised because Men Men has a drier texture than the rice or sticky rice that I usually eat. However, when eaten with bone broth or vegetable soup, I felt the unique harmony. The rich taste of corn combined with the sweetness of the broth is really interesting. It may be a bit difficult to eat at first for those who are not used to it, but after eating it for a while, it becomes delicious and strange.
Men men is a simple dish but contains the culinary quintessence of the ethnic groups in Cao Bang. From small corn kernels, through the skillful hands of highland women, men men becomes a rustic yet nutritious dish. This is not only a part of daily meals but also a symbol of the bond between people and nature, between one generation and another. If you have the opportunity to come to Cao Bang, try men men once to fully experience the flavor of the mountains and forests here.
Duc Duy
Source: https://baocaobang.vn/moc-mac-huong-vi-men-men-3175687.html
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