(Baonghean.vn) - "Mooc" is a specialty of the Thai people, made from animal meat such as pork, chicken, squirrel, stream fish, and finely ground rice, along with some spices such as "mac khen" (a type of spice), lemongrass, etc. This dish is very familiar in the meals of highland communities and is sold in district markets.
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| This traditional dish is made by the Thai community throughout the country. The Khmu community also has this dish. In the photo, Ms. La Thi Phuong, residing in Phong village, Thach Giam commune (Tuong Duong district), is preparing mooc. |
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| For about a year now, this 62-year-old woman has been selling mooc (a type of local dish) at the newly opened market in the village. This market mainly sells local specialties. |
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| From 5 a.m., Mrs. Phuong gets up to prepare the goods to take to the market. She orders the pork from people in Mac village, 2km away. |
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| The accompanying spices are also locally sourced. These include lemongrass, wild pepper, chili, garlic… All of which Mrs. Phuong grows in her own garden. |
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| Preparing mooc is a meticulous process. The preparation of the spices alone must begin a whole day in advance. |
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| The rice used for mooc (a type of Vietnamese stew) must be high-quality glutinous rice. The way the seasoning is used requires skill to create the unique flavor of each cook. |
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| The meat used in mooc stew should be lean and boneless. The best meat comes from pork ribs. |
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| Moọc is wrapped in wild banana leaves before being steamed. |
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| Mooc (a type of Vietnamese stew) should only be cooked for 1 hour and 30 minutes. If cooked for too long, the mooc will become mushy and lose its flavor. |
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| When cooked, mook packets emit an enticing aroma. Many food connoisseurs share that if you visit Thai communities, you absolutely must try mook. |
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| Mrs. Phuong's stall selling bamboo shoots at Phong village market. She earns a profit of over 100,000 dong each day. |
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| At Ban Phong market and Thach Giam commune market (Tuong Duong district), there is also mooc reu (a type of stew made from rock moss). This is also a traditional dish of the Thai people during the autumn and winter seasons. |
Huu Vi - Dao Tho
