Sure, let’s dive deep into making delicious Sopapillas, a delightful Mexican treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive celebration or a cozy family gathering!
Sopapillas Recipe
Overview:
- Name: Sopapillas
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 2 minutes
- Recipe Category: Yeast Breads
- Keywords: Breads, Mexican, Healthy, Kid Friendly, Christmas, Sweet, Deep Fried, Stove Top, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 2/3 cup milk
- Honey (for serving)
- Cinnamon sugar (for serving)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring with a fork until all the dry ingredients are moistened and a dough begins to form.
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Knead and Rest:
- Shape the dough into a ball and transfer it onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead the dough gently for about 1 minute until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 1 hour at room temperature. This resting period allows the dough to relax and develop flavor.
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Roll and Cut the Dough:
- After the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/16 inch thickness using a floured rolling pin.
- Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the rolled-out dough into 3-inch squares. You can adjust the size slightly depending on your preference, but traditionally, sopapillas are small squares.
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Fry the Sopapillas:
- In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, pour enough oil to reach about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully drop a few squares of dough into the hot oil. They should immediately start puffing up.
- Fry the sopapillas for about 30 seconds on each side or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to turn them to ensure even cooking.
- Once golden brown, remove the sopapillas from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Serve:
- Serve the sopapillas immediately while they are still warm. Traditionally, they are drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.
- Enjoy these crispy, fluffy treats as a dessert or a snack!
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 53.6
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 1mg
- Sodium: 142.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.6g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugar: 0.6g
- Protein: 1.3g
Yield:
- Makes approximately 22 sopapillas (yield may vary based on size and thickness)
Tips and Variations:
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Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough is not too sticky or too dry. Adjust the amount of flour or milk slightly if needed to achieve a smooth, elastic dough.
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Frying Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature around 375°F (190°C) throughout frying. This ensures that the sopapillas cook quickly and evenly, achieving that perfect golden color.
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Storage: Sopapillas are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat briefly in a toaster oven or oven to restore crispiness.
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Flavor Variations: For a twist, you can sprinkle the sopapillas with powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar, or serve them with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for dipping.
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Dietary Adjustments: If you prefer a healthier option, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Adjust the liquid accordingly to achieve the right dough consistency.
Sopapillas are not just a dessert; they are a delightful experience of crispy, fluffy goodness that brings a taste of Mexico to your table. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of making these sopapillas from scratch and savor the warm, honey-drizzled bites with your loved ones. Happy cooking! 🍯✨
