Deep-Fried Lotus Flowers in Jinan

Deep-Fried Lotus Flowers in Jinan

　　Deep-fried lotus flowers are a famous specialty snack in Jinan, renowned for their lotus and osmanthus fragrance, sweet and savory taste, ability to clear summer heat and remove impurities, as well as nourish the heart and calm the nerves. The lotus petals are washed, dried with a white cloth, the stems are removed, and then cut into two pieces; the red bean paste is divided into 24 portions, with one portion placed on each lotus petal piece, which are then folded over and wrapped; flour is placed in a bowl, mixed with egg whites and water to form a batter; the pan is heated, the wrapped lotus petals are dipped into the flour batter until fully coated, then skewered with chopsticks and fried in oil until they float to the surface, after which they are removed and sprinkled with sugar-osmanthus to finish.