Oil Tea and Fried Dough Twist

Oil Tea and Fried Dough Twist

　　People in the southern neighborhoods, especially those who have long lived in the urban area, are accustomed to going to small shops in the morning to have a bowl of “oil tea and fried dough twist.” When the oil tea is served, the broken-up fried dough twists are piled up into a glittering golden “mound,” beneath which are exquisitely arranged seasonings, and at the bottom lies the clear yellow, paste-like oil tea. When you stir the mixture with a fine porcelain spoon, a delicious meal that is textured, multi-flavored, crispy yet tender, and appetizing is ready to enjoy.

　　The making of oil tea and fried dough twist is meticulous. First, white rice is ground into fine powder, then placed in a pot with water and stirred into a thin paste. It is then heated and slowly simmered over low heat. Once the rice paste becomes thick enough to stick to the spoon, a small amount of sugar syrup is added to turn it deep yellow, after which it can be ladled into bowls.

　　To make the fried dough twist, first mix the dough with salted water. Once the dough is prepared, spread a thin layer of cooking oil on top, cover it with a damp towel, and let it ferment naturally—about ten minutes in summer and around an hour in winter. After fermentation, shape the dough into thick ropes resembling lotus root segments, then let it ferment for another ten minutes. Shape it again into thinner ropes, the size of little fingers. Dust with dry rice flour, then use your right hand to hold the rope and your left hand to pinch one end, twirling it like a spinning wheel to form even finer loops. These loops are then slipped onto two long bamboo skewers resembling chopsticks, stretched thin and straight, and then dropped into oil to fry. Before the loops harden, flip the skewers to twist them into a comb-like shape. Once they turn golden yellow, they are removed and set aside. To serve, ladle the oil tea into a bowl, add the crushed fried dough twists, along with diced preserved mustard tuber, crushed peanuts, salt and pepper mix, chopped scallions, chili oil, and other condiments, and it is then ready to be served to customers.