Wuxiang Fried Fingers

Wuxiang Fried Fingers

　　Wuxiang Fried Fingers are a specialty of Wuxiang County in Changzhi City, Shanxi Province. The dough is first kneaded, then rolled into thick pancakes, and cut into finger-sized pieces. These are then stir-fried in an iron pot after the pot has been heated with ground dry soil, resulting in a crispy and delicious snack.

　　"Fried Fingers" is a type of pasta product named for its resemblance to human fingers. It is a specialty of the Changzhi area, also found in Xiangyuan and Pingshun, but the most famous version comes from Wuxiang.

　　It is typically made mainly with wheat flour, though more refined versions may include millet flour, glutinous millet flour, eggs, and sugar. After kneading, the dough is rolled into a thick flatbread, cut into long strips, then further diced into shorter pieces, and finally stir-fried in an iron pot until cooked...

　　Fried Fingers can be stored for a long time without spoiling, as the loss of moisture dries them out—somewhat similar to Xinjiang’s roasted naan. They can be eaten as a snack or as a dry ration. It is said that Fried Fingers were invented during ancient wars and were even enjoyed by the Eighth Route Army back in the day.