Baked or Roasted Marmot, Mongolian Style

A lot has happened since Ulan Bator. But there’s one story I really want to share and I’ll do it now.

I’ll go through this step by step.

1. We met up with a group of locals, on the Tuur River, camping near Ulan Bator.

2. They were volunteering to clean up the camping area. Awesome.

3. We made friends, and after their work, we loaned them some cooking gear (tongs, knives, light etc). Awesome young people. They were obviously going to have a barbeque.

4. During preparation they invited Barry and I over – just the men?

5. They had earlier killed what I’d call a marmot, but it could be something bigger/different. By the taste, the kill may have been today, not having ‘hung’ for a day or two.

6. Basically, they euthanise the animal, then remove the head, then the bones, internal organs, bone meat, etc. They do not damage the hide, keeping the toes etc intact, with the only opening being the old hole for the head/neck.

7. They get a hot fire going, inserting river stones in the fire.

8. Once the rocks are hot, they insert rocks, offal, meat and onions and other condiments into the hide, through the ‘head’ hole, in an ordered fashion. It is surprising to see how much steam comes out of the hole that was once connected to the head!

9. Once full of the ingredients aforementioned, the ‘head’ hole is sealed with some fencing wire, steaming away. And the carcass? It’s left to sit on rocks until cooked – maybe one or two hours.

10. Milk and vodka is consumed in the meantime.

11. When ready, Barry and I are called back to their fire, to share the meal.

12. I’m sure it’s because of the that vodka Barry and I eat the meal. And it tastes quite good. A bit strong, like dog from China, but good nonetheless.

13. A selection is brought over that night, for Lynn and Donna. But they elect to feed the selection to some eagles a few days later, in the Gobi desert.

It’s an eating experience Barry and I are proud to be associated with. We have photos and video and whenever we show it to a nomad, they know exactly what we are talking about.

One of the wonderful, bonding, experiences of this awesome country.

See you later!