Sino Delicacy
炸麻花(Zha Ma Hua)

Zha Mahua is a popular Han Chinese snack made primarily from flour and cooked through deep-frying. Making Zha Mahua at home is not only cheaper than buying it from stores but also ensures cleanliness and hygiene. Today, we’ll learn a simple method to make Zha Mahua that tastes just as good as store-bought ones, if not better. Plus, you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 面粉(Mian Fen) - Flour, 2 cups
  • 鸡蛋(Ji Dan) - Eggs, 2

Additional Ingredients

  • Sugar (糖) - 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
  • Cooking oil (油) - 1 tablespoon (for dough) + enough for frying
  • Optional: Sesame seeds (芝麻), cinnamon (肉桂粉), or other flavorings

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

  • Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl and beat them until frothy.
  • Add the flour, sugar, and 1 tablespoon of oil to the bowl. Mix well until a dough forms.
  • Knead the dough by hand for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  • Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes to allow it to ferment slightly.

Shape the Mahua

  • Divide the dough into small portions. Roll each portion into a long, thin strip using a rolling pin (擀面杖).
  • Take two strips and twist them together in opposite directions to form a spiral shape. Pinch the ends to secure them.

Fry the Mahua

  • Heat oil in a deep pan or wok to about 160°C (320°F) or until it reaches 60% heat.
  • Carefully place the twisted dough into the oil. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
  • Use medium-low heat to fry the Mahua until they turn golden brown on all sides. This ensures the inside is fully cooked without burning the outside.
  • Remove the Mahua from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve

  • Let the Mahua cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Tips

  • Oil Temperature: Maintain medium-low heat to prevent the Mahua from burning on the outside while remaining raw inside.
  • Customization: Add sesame seeds, cinnamon, or other flavorings to the dough for a unique twist.
  • Health Note: While delicious, fried foods should be consumed in moderation to avoid health issues.

Difficulty Rating:

  • Ingredient Availability: 2/5 (Flour, eggs, sugar, and oil are widely available)
  • Cooking Difficulty: 3/5 (Requires basic kneading and frying skills, but the process is straightforward.)

Enjoy your homemade Zha Mahua!