Bean thread (transparent) noodles

These are also called cellophane noodles. They are made from ground mung beans and not from a grain flour. They are available dried, are very fine and white and easily recognised packed in their neat, plastic-wrapped bundles. They are never served on their own, but are added to soups or braised dishes or are deep-fried as a garnish. If you do need to separate them in their dried form, place in a large paper bag and pull them apart. Do not soak them before frying.