{"id":395,"date":"2025-04-28T18:04:55","date_gmt":"2025-04-28T18:04:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dovc.co.uk\/eng\/?p=395"},"modified":"2025-04-28T18:04:56","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T18:04:56","slug":"shaqima-an-endearing-fragment-of-nostalgia-transitioning-from-a-qing-dynasty-confection-to-a-contemporary-delight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dovc.co.uk\/eng\/blog\/2025\/04\/28\/shaqima-an-endearing-fragment-of-nostalgia-transitioning-from-a-qing-dynasty-confection-to-a-contemporary-delight\/","title":{"rendered":"Shaqima: An Endearing Fragment of Nostalgia \u2013 Transitioning from a Qing Dynasty Confection to a Contemporary Delight"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shaqima&#8217;s Story, History and Recipe <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Shaqima, the golden-hued and delightfully chewy confection embellished with raisins and sesame seeds, transcends the notion of a mere sweet treat. It represents a bite-sized segment of history, serves as a comforting reminder of tradition, and stands as a testament to the ingenuity inherent in Chinese culinary craftsmanship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A Manchurian Marvel is Born<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The narrative of Shaqima commences in the vibrant kitchens of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Originating in Manchuria, the region that served as the cradle for the Qing emperors, Shaqima was initially a modest offering, a sweet fried dough presented to the imperial court. Various accounts suggest it was invented by a Manchurian chef named Sachima, while others posit that the name derives from the Manchu term for &#8220;sweet snack.&#8221; Regardless of its precise origins, Shaqima swiftly garnered favour among the imperial family and proliferated throughout the Qing Dynasty, transforming into the delicacy we appreciate today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>From Imperial Court to Street Food Staple<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time, Shaqima has evolved from an exclusive imperial delicacy into a commonly accessible street food staple. It has established its presence in bustling markets, teahouses, and family gatherings, becoming a representation of celebration and communal joy. Each region has developed its own variations, with some incorporating various nuts or dried fruits, while others experiment with distinctive flavour profiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Secret to Shaqima&#8217;s Irresistible Charm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The essence of Shaqima resides in its ostensibly simple, yet meticulously executed preparation. The crucial objective is to attain an ideal balance of textures: the subtly crisp exterior of the fried dough, the tender and chewy interior, and the gratifying sweetness of the golden syrup. This process is a labour of love, requiring both patience and precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ready to try your hand at making Shaqima? Here&#8217;s a recipe to get you started:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What You&#8217;ll Need:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>For the Dough:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>300g All-purpose flour \u2013 the foundation of our sweet treat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>5g Baking powder \u2013 for that light, airy texture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2g Baking soda \u2013 adding a touch of tenderness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4g Salt \u2013 a pinch to enhance the sweetness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>110g Whole eggs \u2013 adding richness and binding everything together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 Egg yolk \u2013 for extra golden colour and flavour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>30g Water \u2013 to bring the dough together.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For the Syrup (the golden glue that holds it all together):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>150g Granulated sugar \u2013 the sweet base.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>200g Maltose \u2013 for that distinctively chewy texture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>80g Water \u2013 dissolving the sweetness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>30g Honey \u2013 adding a floral sweetness and depth of flavour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>20g Butter \u2013 for richness and a silky-smooth finish.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Finishing Touches:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>50g Raisins \u2013 plump and juicy bursts of flavour. Consider soaking them in rum for an extra kick!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>20g Toasted white sesame seeds \u2013 adding a nutty aroma and delightful crunch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Makes:<\/strong> 1 tray (approximately 23x29x5 cm) \u2013 perfect for sharing (or not!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Shelf Life:<\/strong> Enjoy within 7 days at room temperature. Although, good luck making it last that long!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Let&#8217;s Get Cooking!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Foundation:<\/strong>\u00a0Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. This ensures a smooth and even dough. Create a well in the center and add the eggs, yolk, and water. Gently incorporate the wet ingredients into the flour, kneading until you have a smooth, elastic dough. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes \u2013 this allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a tender Shaqima.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Building Layers:<\/strong>\u00a0This is where the magic happens! Roll the dough into a long, thin sheet. Divide into three, fold, and rotate 90 degrees. Repeat this process two more times. This layering technique creates a wonderful texture in the fried dough. The key is to roll in a different direction each time to prevent the gluten from breaking down.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Thin Strips of Joy:<\/strong>\u00a0Roll the dough to a super-thin 0.1cm thickness. Stack the sheets and cut them into delicate strips \u2013 the smaller the strips, the more delicate your Shaqima will be.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fry to Golden Perfection:<\/strong>\u00a0Heat oil in a pan to 140\u00b0C (284\u00b0F). Fry the dough strips on low heat until they puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove and drain well.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A Warm Embrace:<\/strong>\u00a0Transfer the fried dough to a steel bowl, add the raisins and toasted sesame seeds. Place the bowl in a preheated 120\u00b0C (248\u00b0F) oven to keep everything warm. This prevents the syrup from hardening too quickly and ensures even coating. Pro Tip: place the raisins in the centre of the dough to prevent them from burning while keeping warm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Golden Syrup:<\/strong>\u00a0Combine all syrup ingredients in a non-stick pot. Cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves, then continue cooking until it thickens to 120\u00b0C (248\u00b0F). Remove from heat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Coating Time:<\/strong>\u00a0Pour the warm syrup over the fried dough, ensuring every strip is evenly coated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shaping and Cooling:<\/strong>\u00a0Transfer the mixture to a tray lined with non-stick baking paper. Cover with another sheet of paper and use a rolling pin to flatten it into an even layer. Let cool completely before cutting into bite-sized pieces.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tips for Shaqima Success:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dust with flour:<\/strong>\u00a0When rolling and cutting the dough, sprinkle flour on your work surface to prevent sticking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rum-soaked raisins:<\/strong>\u00a0For a richer, more decadent flavour, soak the raisins in rum beforehand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Shaqima represents more than merely a recipe; it embodies a link to tradition, a celebration of cultural heritage, and a delightful reminder of life\u2019s simple pleasures. Therefore, gather the necessary ingredients, prepare yourself diligently, and commence your own Shaqima journey. You shall not be disappointed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1020\" src=\"https:\/\/dovc.co.uk\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dovc.co.uk\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/dovc.co.uk\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3-226x300.jpeg 226w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Shaqima&#8217;s Story, History and Recipe Shaqima, the golden-hued and delightfully chewy confection embellished with raisins and sesame seeds, transcends the notion of a mere sweet treat. It represents a bite-sized&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":400,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/dovc.co.uk\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/32.png","fifu_image_alt":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15,18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-395","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cultures","category-recipe"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/dovc.co.uk\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/32.png?w=808&resize=808,546&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dovc.co.uk\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/395","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dovc.co.uk\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dovc.co.uk\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dovc.co.uk\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dovc.co.uk\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=395"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/dovc.co.uk\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/395\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":399,"href":"https:\/\/dovc.co.uk\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/395\/revisions\/399"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dovc.co.uk\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/400"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dovc.co.uk\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=395"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dovc.co.uk\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=395"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dovc.co.uk\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=395"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}