Early Look: Henan Basil Noodles (荆芥拌面) (Patreon)

This week, we wanted to share a summer classic from the Henan province - Basil noodles - Jingjie Banmian (荆芥拌面). It's a mixed noodle dish topped with (1) stewed tomato and egg (2) garlic water and (3) lemon basil, an herb quite local to Henan.

Now, I'm sure if I say the words "Basil, Tomato, Garlic, Noodles" in rapid succession, your mind might immediately jump to, uh, some other country that's not exactly China. But I think this dish is a really interesting case of how one (relatively) similar flavor profile can emerge in two completely different corners of the world - this noodle dish is extremely Henanese, and has its own unique taste.

In any event, it's quite easy as well, and is a fantastic hot weather food.