Maojiatan Fried Oil Fragrance

Maojiatan Fried Oil Fragrance

　　In Hui households in Maojiatan, whenever there's a celebration, they fry oil fragrance to entertain guests. Glutinous rice flour is mixed with water and salt, then kneaded into a round shape and deep-fried in oil. Mustard oil must be used, and it gives off a particularly fragrant aroma during frying.

　　According to Hui tradition, setting off firecrackers is not allowed; they use the act of frying oil fragrance as a substitute for fireworks. When the glutinous rice dough is dropped into the fragrant oil, it makes a similar popping sound. Once fried to a golden color, it’s ready to be taken out. The outer crust is quite crispy, while the inside remains soft—truly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

　　One detail to note when eating: tear it apart piece by piece with your hands, rather than biting directly into it.