crispy dough twists

The Ultimate Guide to Crispy Chinese Doughnuts

Crispy Chinese doughnuts, or *mahua*, are golden, twisted snacks loved for their crunchy texture and sweet-savory flavor. Here’s a simple recipe to make them at home.

Ingredients: 300g all-purpose flour, 150ml warm water, 50g sugar, 5g yeast, 2g salt, oil for frying.

Steps:

1. Dough Prep: Dissolve yeast and 1 tsp sugar in warm water; let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt in a bowl. Pour in yeast water and knead into a smooth dough. Add 1 tbsp oil and knead until elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.

2. Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough and divide into small balls (each about 30g). Roll each into a 15cm rope. Fold it in half, twist tightly, and pinch the ends to seal.

3. Fry: Heat oil to 160°C. Fry doughnuts in batches for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Variations: For sweet *mahua*, coat with sugar syrup while warm. For savory versions, sprinkle with salt, cumin, or sesame seeds after frying.

Enjoy these crunchy treats with tea or as a snack! Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

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