Panamanian Fried Bread

Panamanian Fried Bread Recipe - A Delicious Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Panama | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Panamanian Fried Bread, also known as "Tortillas Fritas," is a popular and delicious snack in Panama. These fried bread patties are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect treat for any time of day.

History

Panamanian Fried Bread has been a staple in Panamanian cuisine for generations. It is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, and is commonly served at festivals and celebrations. The recipe has been passed down through families and is a beloved tradition in Panama.

Ingredients

1.75 cups of flour
2 tsp of baking powder
1 tsp of salt
2 tbsp of lard or shortening
0.5 – 0.75 cups of water as necessary
oil for deep fat frying

How to prepare

In a heavy saucepan or dutch oven, heat the cooking oil to 375°F (191°C).
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together into a bowl.
Cut the lard into the flour using a pastry cutter or forks.
Slowly add water until a firm adhesive dough is formed.
Knead the dough briefly, cover, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Pinch off the dough in golf ball-sized pieces and shape them into irregularly shaped patties about 0.25" thick using your hands.
Fry the patties in the hot oil for about 2 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown.
Drain the patties on paper towels.
Serve the patties hot, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar or with honey or syrup.

Variations

Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced flavor.
Serve the fried bread with a side of fruit compote or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the bread patties to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

- Use a pastry cutter or forks to cut the shortening into the flour for a flaky texture.

- Don't over-knead the dough, as this can make the bread tough.

- Serve the fried bread hot for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Panamanian Fried Bread can be served hot with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or drizzled with honey or syrup. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to fry the bread patties in hot oil to achieve a crispy exterior.

- Drain the fried bread on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Vegetable shortening can be substituted with butter or margarine.

- Whole wheat flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for Panamanian Fried Bread can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the fried bread patties on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. - Arrange the fried bread on a serving tray with fresh fruit for a colorful and appetizing display.

Pairing Recommendations

Panamanian Fried Bread pairs well with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful snack.

- Serve the fried bread with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Panamanian Fried Bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, place the fried bread patties in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Panamanian Fried Bread contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Panamanian Fried Bread contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Panamanian Fried Bread contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Panamanian Fried Bread contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Panamanian Fried Bread is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Panamanian Fried Bread contains wheat and may contain traces of soy.

Summary

Panamanian Fried Bread is a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and fats. It is a great option for those looking for a tasty snack or dessert.

Summary

Panamanian Fried Bread is a simple and delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and soft interior, these bread patties are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy them hot with your favorite toppings for a delightful snack or dessert.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Panamanian Fried Bread. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in Panama City. We were sitting in her cozy kitchen, sipping on coffee and catching up on each other's lives. As we chatted, Maria suddenly got up and disappeared into her pantry, returning with a worn, yellowed piece of paper in hand.

"I have something special to show you," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "This is a recipe for Panamanian Fried Bread that has been in my family for generations."

I watched in wonder as Maria unfolded the paper and began to read out the ingredients and instructions. The recipe called for flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and water, and the dough was to be kneaded, left to rise, and then fried in hot oil until golden brown. The finished bread was to be sprinkled with powdered sugar before serving.

As Maria read the recipe, I could almost smell the delicious aroma of the fried bread wafting through the air. My mouth watered in anticipation, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this traditional Panamanian treat.

Maria saw the eagerness in my eyes and smiled. "Would you like me to teach you how to make Panamanian Fried Bread?" she asked.

I nodded eagerly, and we spent the rest of the afternoon in Maria's kitchen, mixing and kneading dough, letting it rise, and frying up batch after batch of delicious fried bread. As we worked, Maria shared stories of her grandmother and mother, who had passed down the recipe to her. She spoke of lazy Sunday mornings spent making fried bread for breakfast, and how her family would gather around the table, eagerly waiting for the piping hot bread to be served.

By the time the sun began to set, I had mastered the art of making Panamanian Fried Bread. Maria hugged me tightly, her eyes shining with pride.

"You are now an honorary Panamanian baker," she said with a laugh.

I returned home with the recipe tucked safely in my purse, eager to share this newfound culinary treasure with my own family. Over the years, I made Panamanian Fried Bread countless times, delighting my loved ones with its crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. It became a beloved staple in our household, a special treat reserved for lazy weekend mornings or festive celebrations.

As my children grew older, they would often request Panamanian Fried Bread for their birthdays or special occasions. It became a cherished tradition, a symbol of love and togetherness that transcended generations.

One day, my granddaughter asked me how I had learned to make Panamanian Fried Bread. I sat her down at the kitchen table, just as Maria had done with me all those years ago, and unfolded the yellowed piece of paper that held the magical recipe.

"This," I said with a smile, "is a recipe that has been passed down through the generations. It is a gift from my dear friend Maria, who shared it with me on a warm summer day in Panama City. And now, I am passing it on to you."

My granddaughter's eyes widened with wonder as I taught her how to make Panamanian Fried Bread. Together, we mixed and kneaded the dough, watched it rise, and fried it to perfection. As we sprinkled the finished bread with powdered sugar, I saw the same joy and satisfaction in her eyes that I had felt so many years ago.

And as we sat down to enjoy our freshly baked Panamanian Fried Bread, I knew that this recipe would continue to be a source of joy and connection for my family for years to come. It was a reminder of the bonds of friendship, the power of tradition, and the simple pleasures of good food shared with loved ones.

I smiled contentedly, knowing that the legacy of Panamanian Fried Bread would live on through my granddaughter, just as it had through me. And I was grateful for the memories, stories, and flavors that had enriched my life and brought me closer to those I held dear.