Chinese Scallion Pancake
These scallion pancakes are really easy to make, and they can be enjoyed with a number of dipping sauces and accompanying dishes. This recipe also lends itself to classroom cooking activities using an electric skillet.
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1-1/3 cups boiling water
- 4 teaspoons sesame oil
- 6 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
INSTRUCTIONS
Place flour in a large mixing bowl; stir in boiling water until a dough ball begins to form. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes. Make sure the dough feels smooth and elastic before placing in a large covered bowl to rest for 30 minutes.
Divide the dough into 8 portions, rolling out each portion into an 8-inch circle. Brush lightly with sesame oil and sprinkle scallions over the entire surface of the circle. Roll the pancake up like a jelly roll, enveloping the scallions, creating a long, thin cylinder. Now, form a flat, tight spiral from that cylinder, tucking the end underneath. Gently flatten the spiral with the palm of your hand, then re-roll back into an 8-inch disk.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Over medium-high heat, fry 1 pancake at a time until it becomes golden brown, likely 2-3 minutes on each side.
Note: Make a delicious dipping sauce if you’d like by combining: 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root, 2 teaspoons rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil.
Rice Production in China
China is the world’s top producer and consumer of rice. It produces and consumes a third of the world’s rice, about 200 million tons a year. This crop is the world’s most important food source and dietary staple, ahead of wheat and corn. It accounts for roughly 20 percent of all the calories that mankind consumes.
