Mongolian Fried Peanuts

While some Chinese archaeologists have identified entombed morsels as peanuts, it is the general consensus that peanuts were introduced to China in the mid-sixteenth century, relatively late in her culinary history. Whatever their antiquity, it is a sure fact that the humble peanut became wildly popular among Chinese, as much so as that other New World import, tobacco.

• North Chinese, in particular, have a penchant for peanuts. Boiled in seasoned water and somet