Traditional Bonan Foods: "Deep-Fried Dough Twist" and "Salted Cake Fried in Sesame Oil"

The Bonan ethnic group (宝安族), who follow Islam, has a rich and unique cultural heritage reflected in their food traditions. Two traditional wheaten foods that hold deep significance in Bonan culture are the deep-fried dough twist (麻花) and the salted cake fried in sesame oil (香油炸咸饼). These foods have been cherished for centuries, especially during festivals and celebrations.

Deep-Fried Dough Twist

Ingredients and Preparation

The deep-fried dough twist (麻花) is a traditional snack enjoyed by the Bonan people. The dough is made from a mixture of flour, saltwater, brown sugar, Chinese prickly ash water, egg, fragrant bean powder, vegetable oil, honey, and warm water. The dough is kneaded repeatedly to ensure a smooth consistency.

Shaping and Frying

The dough is divided into portions, rolled into thin strips, and twisted into rings or other shapes. These twisted dough pieces are deep-fried in boiling oil until they turn golden brown. The result is a crispy, evenly colored treat, perfect for serving during festive occasions or as a gift to friends and family.

Cultural Significance

This treat is commonly served to guests during festivals and is an important symbol of hospitality within the Bonan community. Its beautiful golden color and crispy texture make it a delightful food to entertain others.

Salted Cake Fried in Sesame Oil

Ingredients and Preparation

The salted cake fried in sesame oil (香油炸咸饼) is a popular deep-fried snack similar to the deep-fried dough cake (炸面饼) found in northern China. The dough is made by mixing flour, water (with vitriol, soda, and salt), followed by fermentation. Egg, vegetable oil, and peppermint leaves powder are added before the dough is shaped into small round cakes, approximately 7-8 cm in diameter.

Frying and Serving

These cakes are deep-fried in oil until they become golden brown and puffed up. The end result is a cake that is not only visually appealing but also delicate and refreshing in taste. Traditionally, the salted cakes (咸饼) are torn into pieces and eaten in small portions instead of being bitten directly.

Historical Origins

The salted cake fried in sesame oil (香油炸咸饼) has its origins in Arabian regions (阿拉伯地区). According to legend, Prophet Muhammad (穆罕默德) tasted this dish in 622 CE at the home of Ayoubu (阿尤布), an elderly man in Medina (麦地那), and praised it highly. This praise led to its widespread popularity across Muslim communities.

During the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) (元朝), the method of preparing this dish spread to China and became a staple food among the Bonan (宝安族), Hui (回族), Dongxiang (东乡族), and Sala (撒拉族) ethnic groups.

Varieties of Salted Cake Fried in Sesame Oil

Types of Salted Cake

The salted cake fried in sesame oil (香油炸咸饼) comes in various forms, depending on the ingredients used. Common variations include:

• Polished glutinous rice salted cake (精米咸饼)

• Potato powder salted cake (土豆粉咸饼)

• Sweet salted cake (甜咸饼)

• Sweet potato salted cake (甘薯咸饼)

Cultural Practices Around Cooking

The preparation of these salted cakes (咸饼) is surrounded by cultural beliefs. It is traditionally considered a taboo for non-Muslim people to observe the cooking process. Experienced Muslim women (穆斯林妇女) are entrusted with making the cakes, and it is believed that if others enter the kitchen while the cakes are being fried, it will disrupt the oil, resulting in poor taste and appearance.

Ritualistic Importance

This practice highlights the ritualistic and sacred nature of the food preparation process within the Bonan community, emphasizing the respect and care given to the making of these dishes.

Both the deep-fried dough twist (麻花) and salted cake fried in sesame oil (香油炸咸饼) are much more than just foods for the Bonan people. They serve as important cultural symbols, reflecting the community’s hospitality, tradition, and adherence to Islamic customs. These dishes are not only a part of Bonan cuisine but also a way for the community to celebrate and share their rich heritage with others.