How to Make Dragon‘s Beard Candy: A Step-by-Step Guide16

Dragon's beard candy is a captivating confectionery originating from China, renowned for its delicate, cotton-like texture and irresistible sweetness. This centuries-old treat is a testament to the artistry and precision of confectioners. While its intricate appearance may seem daunting, with the right ingredients and techniques, you can master the art of making dragon's beard candy in the comfort of your own kitchen. Follow this step-by-step guide to embark on this culinary adventure and impress your loved ones with this extraordinary sweet.

Ingredients:- 1 cup (120g) glutinous rice flour
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil
- Food coloring (optional)

Equipment:- Large mixing bowl
- Sieve
- Spatula
- Rolling pin
- Wok or large skillet
- Heat-resistant spatula
- Bamboo sticks or skewers

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, sift the glutinous rice flour to remove any lumps. Gradually add the water while stirring constantly with a spatula. Once all the water is incorporated, the dough should form a soft and slightly sticky ball. If the dough is too dry, add a bit more water; if it's too wet, add more flour.

2. Knead and Rest:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten in the dough to relax, making it easier to work with later.

3. Divide and Color:

Divide the rested dough into four equal portions. If desired, you can add food coloring to each portion to create different colors. Knead the food coloring into the dough until it is evenly distributed.

4. Roll Out the Dough:

On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out each portion of colored dough into a thin sheet, about 1/16-inch (1.5mm) thick. The sheets should be as thin and uniform as possible.

5. Brush with Oil:

Lightly brush the surface of each rolled-out sheet with vegetable oil. This will help prevent the layers from sticking together.

6. Sprinkle with Sugar:

Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the oiled surface of each sheet. Press the sugar gently into the dough with your fingers.

7. Stack and Roll:

Now comes the delicate part. Stack the four sugar-coated sheets on top of each other, aligning them carefully. Use a rolling pin to gently roll out the stacked sheets into a single, long sheet. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can cause the layers to tear.

8. Fold and Roll:

Fold the long sheet in half lengthwise, then in half again. This creates four layers. Now, roll out the folded sheet into a long, thin rope.

9. Fry:

Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Drop the rope of dough into the hot oil and fry until it puffs up and becomes golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Use a heat-resistant spatula to gently stir the dough while it fries.

10. Stretch and Separate:

Remove the fried dough from the oil and immediately stretch it apart using two bamboo sticks or skewers. This is where the magic happens. As you pull and stretch the dough, it will magically form fine, hair-like strands that resemble a dragon's beard.

11. Serve:

Serve the freshly made dragon's beard candy warm. You can enjoy it plain or wrap it around a filling of your choice, such as a scoop of ice cream or a piece of fruit. This delicate confection will melt in your mouth, leaving behind a sweet and unforgettable memory.

Tips:- Use high-quality glutinous rice flour for the best texture and flavor.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten, which will help prevent it from tearing during stretching.
- Roll out the dough as thinly as possible to achieve the finest strands.
- Fry the dough in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- Do not overstretch the dough, as it can become tough.
- If the dough becomes too sticky, sprinkle it with a little more oil.
- Dragon's beard candy is best enjoyed fresh. However, it can be stored in an airtight container for up to a day.

2024-10-30

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