Description
Sopapillas are a light, airy fried pastry that perfectly balances a crispy golden exterior with a soft, pillowy interior. This traditional treat is simple to make with basic pantry ingredients and is best enjoyed warm drizzled with sweet honey for a delightful dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- 3/4 cup warm water
For Frying and Serving
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup honey (for serving)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Knead: Incorporate the vegetable shortening and warm water into the dry mixture and knead the dough until it becomes soft and cohesive.
- Rest Dough: Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 20 minutes; this allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough to approximately 1/8 inch thickness, ensuring an even thinness for perfect puffing during frying.
- Cut into Shapes: Cut the dough into squares or triangles, depending on your preference, to prepare individual sopapillas.
- Heat Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large skillet to about 350°F (175°C), the optimal temperature for frying.
- Fry Sopapillas: Fry each piece of dough until they puff up and turn a golden brown color, roughly 1-2 minutes per side, which indicates they are cooked through and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the sopapillas from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm, generously drizzled with honey for a sweet, delicious finish.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is consistent to avoid greasy or undercooked sopapillas.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan to maintain oil temperature and proper puffing.
- You can substitute vegetable shortening with butter for a richer flavor, though the texture may vary slightly.
- Honey can be replaced with powdered sugar or served with cinnamon sugar for a different twist.
- Sopapillas are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be reheated briefly in a low oven for later serving.
