Description
Sopapillas are a traditional fried pastry that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, served warm with a drizzle of honey. This easy recipe yields light, fluffy sopapillas perfect for a sweet treat or dessert in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- 3/4 cup warm water
For Frying
- 2 cups vegetable oil
For Serving
- 1/2 cup honey
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir them together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Form Dough: Add the vegetable shortening and warm water to the dry mixture. Knead the ingredients together until a soft dough forms, smooth and pliable but not sticky.
- Rest Dough: Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This helps relax the gluten and makes rolling easier.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Make sure it is rolled evenly to ensure consistent frying and puffing.
- Cut Shapes: Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into squares or triangles depending on your preferred shape.
- Heat Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Proper oil temperature is crucial for the sopapillas to puff up and become crispy.
- Fry Sopapillas: Carefully place the dough pieces in the hot oil, frying a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side until they puff up and turn a golden brown color.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the sopapillas from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm, drizzled generously with honey for a sweet finish.
Notes
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve puffy sopapillas; if oil is too cool, they will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- The dough can also be flavored with a bit of cinnamon or sugar for a spiced variation.
- Sopapillas are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be reheated briefly in an oven to regain crispness.
- If you prefer, powdered sugar can be dusted on top as an alternative to honey.
- Vegetable shortening can be substituted with butter or lard for a different flavor profile.
