Fried dough is another one of those popular foods with different versions around the world, whether it be doughnut, beignet, fritter or churro. The Taiwanese version is called Youtiao (
油條), also known as Chinese cruller or Chinese doughnut. I have always enjoyed having them with a strong cup of green tea to help brighten the taste. On a hot summer day like the ones I am living in Taiwan, I especially like a cold brewed Purple Bamboo, which I do "on the rocks". That is, I leave 1.5 tspn over an 8oz glass of ice and savor the refreshing green tea on the rocks. The Taiwanese traditionally pair the Youtiao with soy milk. When I am feeling the addition of milk, my twist on it is pairing with a nice Earl Grey like the Rose Grey or Lavender Grey from Far Leaves Tea with milk.
Chinese doughnut can be enjoyed by itself, eaten with rice congee, inside a roasted flat bread like a sandwich, or inside rice rolls. Read below on the step by step process a 75 year old Chinese doughnut-maker has been following the last 35 years, every single day.
Step 1: Spread out dough lengthwise to maximize space. Dust dough with lots of flour with hand and/or brush.
Step 2: Cut dough into pieces of strips.
Step 3: Let dough rest.
Step 4: Stack dough strips on top of each other to help create the crunch when eaten.
Step 5: Insert a groove into dough to create the classic churro-like shape.
Step 6: Fry in oil and enjoy with a nice cup of tea!
