Introduction
Sopapillas are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. These fluffy, crispy pastries are simple to make and can be customized with various toppings. Whether enjoyed dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with honey, sopapillas are sure to please.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1½ cups warm milk
2 tablespoons shortening (Crisco) or vegetable oil
Vegetable oil for frying
Optional Additions:
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
16-20 sopapillas
Instructions
1. In a large bowl or mixer bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. If adding sugar and cinnamon, include them now. Whisk together.
2. Melt the shortening (if using vegetable oil, no need to melt) and mix with warm milk. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it in a plastic bag and let it rest for about 20 minutes.
4. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 16-20 squares, depending on your preferred size.
6. Carefully drop a few dough squares into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pot. Fry until golden brown, about 60 seconds, flipping them once halfway through.
7. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the sopapillas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. While the sopapillas are still warm, sprinkle them generously with your choice of toppings, such as powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, honey, or a simple powdered sugar glaze made by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1/4 cup of milk or water and a splash of vanilla extract.
9. Serve the sopapillas warm and enjoy the combination of crispy, sweet, and indulgent flavors!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl or mixer bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. If desired, add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon at this stage. Whisk the mixture together until evenly combined.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Melt 2 tablespoons of shortening, or if using vegetable oil, skip the melting process. In a separate bowl, mix the melted shortening (or vegetable oil) with 1½ cups of warm milk. Then, add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Rest the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it in a plastic bag. Let it rest for about 20 minutes to allow the dough to relax.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying the sopapillas.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the rested dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares, aiming for 16-20 squares depending on your size preference.
Step 6: Fry the Sopapillas
Carefully drop a few of the dough squares into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them until golden brown, about 60 seconds, flipping them once halfway through the cooking process.
Step 7: Drain Excess Oil
Using a slotted spoon or spider, remove the sopapillas from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 8: Add Toppings
While the sopapillas are still warm, generously sprinkle them with your choice of toppings, such as powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, honey, or a simple powdered sugar glaze made by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1/4 cup of milk or water and a splash of vanilla extract.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the sopapillas warm, and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy, sweet, and indulgent flavors!
Notes
Ingredient Notes
For a different flavor, consider adding flavor extracts, such as vanilla or almond, to the wet ingredients.
Cooking Tips
Maintain oil temperature by frying in small batches and adjusting the heat as necessary during cooking.
Storage Advice
Sopapillas are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day. Reheat in a toaster oven for optimal crispiness.
Cook techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. If adding sugar and cinnamon, include them at this stage for even distribution.
Making the Dough
Melt shortening (or use vegetable oil without melting) and mix it with warm milk. Combine this mixture with the dry ingredients and mix until a cohesive dough forms.
Resting the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it in a plastic bag and let it rest for about 20 minutes. This helps relax the gluten for a better texture.
Preparing to Fry
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C) for proper frying.
Rolling Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. This ensures even cooking and the right texture.
Cutting the Dough
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the rolled dough into squares. The size can be adjusted depending on preference, typically yielding 16-20 squares.
Frying the Sopapillas
Carefully drop a few dough squares into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry until golden brown, flipping halfway through for consistent cooking.
Draining Excess Oil
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried sopapillas from oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Adding Toppings
While the sopapillas are still warm, sprinkle on your choice of toppings like powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with honey.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with other flours, but keep in mind that all-purpose flour gives the best texture for sopapillas.
What is the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil is ideal for frying due to its high smoke point, but you can also use canola or peanut oil.
Can I bake the sopapillas instead of frying them?
Baking is possible, but the texture and flavor will differ significantly from traditional fried sopapillas.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best eaten fresh but can be reheated in a toaster oven for a few minutes.
Can I freeze the sopapillas?
Yes, you can freeze the un-fried dough squares. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a resealable bag for later frying.
Conclusion
The sopapillas prepared with this recipe offer a delightful combination of crispy texture and sweet flavors. Whether enjoyed plain or topped with your favorite sweeteners, these treats are sure to satisfy your cravings. Their easy preparation makes them a perfect addition to any gathering or a special treat for yourself.
Classic Toppings
Top your sopapillas with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple yet satisfying sweetness.
Cinnamon Sugar Delight
Mix cinnamon and sugar together to create a warm, flavorful topping that enhances the sopapillas beautifully.
Honey Drizzle
Drizzle warm honey over the sopapillas for a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior.
Chocolate Sauce
Serve with chocolate sauce for a rich and indulgent dessert option.
Fruit and Cream
Add fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped cream for a refreshing and colorful presentation.
Savory Options
Try adding savory fillings such as cheese or seasoned meats before frying for a unique twist on traditional sopapillas.
Ice Cream Sundae
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and hot fudge for a decadent dessert experience.
Customize Your Dough
Experiment by adding flavored extracts like vanilla or almond to the dough for a different aromatic twist.
