Ingredients

1 tablespoon flavorful oil ( eg . 1 teaspoon sesame oil mixed with 2 teaspoons corn or peanut oil )
1 tablespoon hot chili oil
1 1/2 cups green and white scallions , thinly sliced rings ( green onion )
1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaves and stems
1/2 cup chinese chives or 1/2 cup regular chives , finely chopped
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup very hot tap water
1/3 cup cold water
about 1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 - 1/2 cup corn oil or 1/3-1/2 cup peanut oil , for pan-frying
Pan-Fried Scallion & Chive Bread (Chong Yu Bing) is a popular street snack in northern China, especially during the spring and summer months. It is a savory and aromatic flatbread filled with fresh herbs and spices like scallions, chives, cilantro, and chili oil. As it is pan-fried with corn or peanut oil, it has a crispy exterior and a soft interior with a chewy texture. This bread is often served with a side of soy sauce, vinegar, or sesame paste for dipping. It is a simple but satisfying alternative to sweet pastries or cereals for breakfast, and it pairs well with hot tea or coffee.

Instructions

1.In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt.
2.Slowly pour in the very hot tap water while stirring with chopsticks or a fork. Continue stirring until the dough becomes a craggy mass.
3.Add the cold water and knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until it becomes a smooth ball.
4.Cover the dough with a wet towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5.In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sliced green and white scallions, cilantro leaves and stems, and chives.
6.Roll out the dough into a 1/4-inch thick circle on a lightly floured surface.
7.Brush the flavorful oil mixture on top of the dough.
8.Spread the scallion and chive mixture evenly over the dough.
9.Roll up the dough into a log and twist it into a spiral shape.
10.Flatten the spiral dough into a pancake about 1-inch thick.
11.Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add enough corn oil or peanut oil to cover the bottom.
12.Pan-fry the bread for about 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

PROS

This bread is savory, aromatic, and crispy on the outside while soft on the inside.

It is perfect for a satisfying breakfast or an afternoon snack.

CONS

Pan-fried bread can be high in calories and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

It is not a gluten-free or low-carb option for people with dietary restrictions.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This bread has a good amount of dietary fiber, Vitamin K, and antioxidants from the green onions, chives, and cilantro.
The sesame and chili oil mixture may have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
However, it is still a calorie-dense and processed food that should not replace whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet.

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