Introduction
Sopapillas are a delightful treat that combines a crispy exterior with a fluffy, airy interior. Often enjoyed as a dessert or a snack, these delicious fried pastries are typically served warm and drizzled with honey. This recipe provides a simple way to make sopapillas at home, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup shortening
1½ cups warm water
Oil for frying (4-6 cups, 2-3 inches deep)
Honey for serving
Prep Time
20 minutes (plus resting time)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 1-2 minutes per batch
Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Yield: About 24 sopapillas
Enjoy your delicious sopapillas warm with a generous drizzle of honey!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 2:
Add the shortening and warm water to the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until a dough forms. Once formed, cover the bowl and let the dough rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to relax the gluten.
Step 3:
Lightly flour a clean surface. Roll the rested dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into 3-inch squares, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
Step 4:
In a Dutch oven, heat 1½ inches of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F. While the oil is heating, prepare a baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 5:
Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the sopapillas in batches. Cook each batch for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and puffed. Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain the oil temperature, which is crucial for proper frying.
Step 6:
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried sopapillas from the oil and place them on the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain off excess oil.
Step 7:
Repeat the frying process until all of the sopapillas are cooked, ensuring to monitor the oil temperature between batches.
Step 8:
Serve the sopapillas warm, drizzled with honey for added sweetness.
Notes
Note 1:
Ensure that the shortening is softened for easier incorporation into the flour mixture.
Note 2:
Adjust the heat as needed while frying to keep the oil temperature consistent; too low will result in greasy sopapillas, and too high may burn them.
Note 3:
Sopapillas are best enjoyed immediately after frying but can be stored in an airtight container for a short time. Reheat in an oven to restore crispiness.
Cook techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Incorporating Shortening
Add shortening to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly to achieve a better texture in the dough.
Resting the Dough
Cover the dough and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to allow gluten to relax, which aids in rolling.
Rolling Out the Dough
Lightly flour a work surface to prevent sticking, and roll the dough into a uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
Cutting the Dough
Use a pizza cutter for clean, straight lines when cutting the dough into squares.
Heating Oil
Ensure the oil reaches a temperature of 375°F before frying to achieve a crispy exterior and puffiness in the sopapillas.
Frying in Batches
Fry the sopapillas in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure they cook evenly.
Draining Excess Oil
Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried sopapillas to a paper towel-lined baking sheet for draining excess oil.
FAQ
Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening, but it may change the texture slightly.
What is the best oil for frying sopapillas?
Any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil, works well for frying.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
Use a thermometer to check that the oil reaches 375°F, or drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises, the oil is ready.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it, but allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.
How should I store leftover sopapillas?
Store any leftover sopapillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze fried sopapillas?
Yes, you can freeze fried sopapillas; make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Conclusion
The sopapillas are a delightful treat, perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are easy to prepare and make for a wonderful dessert or snack, especially when drizzled with honey. Enjoying these golden, puffed pastries will surely bring joy to any gathering or family meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Try making churros by using a similar dough recipe, shaping them into long sticks, and frying until golden. Serve with a rich chocolate dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Sopapillas
Incorporate mashed sweet potato into the dough for a delicious twist and an added flavor component to your sopapillas.
Stuffed Sopapillas
Fill the dough squares with a mixture of cheese and jalapeños or spiced ground meat before frying for savory, stuffed sopapillas.
Cinnamon Sugar Dusted Sopapillas
After frying, coat the sopapillas in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, aromatic finish.
Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
Use the sopapilla dough as a crust for cheesecake bars, layering it with cheesecake filling and baking until set for a delicious dessert.
