Fried Oil Fragrance

Fried Oil Fragrance

　　Among the distinctive pastries of the Hui people, Fried Oil Fragrance is regarded as a holy and delicious food bestowed upon Muslims by Allah. It is only made during joyous or sorrowful occasions, or during festivals and holidays, when it is shared among people as a gesture of blessing and remembrance.

　　Although making Fried Oil Fragrance is quite simple—just form fermented flour into round flatbreads and fry them in oil until cooked. However, before frying, one must wash their hands and burn incense to show reverence.

　　Although making Fried Oil Fragrance is quite simple—just form fermented flour into round flatbreads and fry them in oil until cooked. However, before frying, one must wash their hands and burn incense to show reverence.

　　There is a legend among the Hui people about the origin of Fried Oil Fragrance: when Muhammad founded Islam in Mecca, he endured many hardships and was repeatedly persecuted by the nobles and wealthy merchants of the Quraysh tribe. As a result, Muhammad instructed his followers to migrate to Medina in batches. When he himself arrived there, he was warmly welcomed by all the Muslims in the city. Faced with devout followers eagerly inviting the noble Prophet to their homes, Muhammad loosened the reins of his camel and let it walk freely until it stopped at the doorstep of Old Man Ayyub. Overjoyed, Old Man Ayyub prepared fragrant fried oil flatbreads using premium flour and the finest fragrant oil for the Prophet. The Prophet praised the flatbreads highly and shared them with everyone. At the crowd’s request, Muhammad gave the flatbreads a lovely name—Oil Fragrance. After the story of the Prophet eating Oil Fragrance at Old Man Ayyub’s home spread, it became a custom to make and share Fried Oil Fragrance during festivals and important life events such as weddings and funerals, and the pastry came to be regarded as a sacred food.

　　Method:

　　1. Mix the flour with a little salt, baking powder, and yeast powder, then knead with warm water. Let it rise until it doubles in size. Once risen, bring it to room temperature, divide it into small portions, and roll each portion out thin (similar to a wrapper for buns);

　　2. Heat the oil to about 400°F. Place the rolled dough pieces into the hot oil and fry until both sides are golden brown.