Pop-open Cruller (开口笑)

开口笑

Pop-open Cruller (开口笑) — a Sichuan Pastry Chinese recipe made with Glutinous rice flour, ready in about 35 minutes. Step-by-step instructions with photos.

Ingredients

• Glutinous rice flour
• White sugar
• Warm water
• Lard or vegetable oil (for dough)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• White sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Mix糯米粉, sugar, lard and warm water. Knead into smooth dough. Rest 15 minutes. (Dough should be soft and pliable, like playdough)
2. Form into 15 small balls (about 25g each). Roll each in water, then sesame seeds. (Sesame should adhere well — if falling off, dough is too dry)
3. Heat oil to 160°C (320°F). Fry balls, stirring gently, for 8-10 minutes.
4. Increase heat to 180°C for 1 minute to crisp. Drain on paper towel. (Color should be deep golden — not pale (under) or dark (over))
5. While hot, toss in extra sugar if desired. Cool and serve. (Finished product should crack open when bitten, revealing hollow center)