Sopapillas (Fried Biscuit Puffs)

Sopapillas (Fried Biscuit Puffs) Recipe - Mexican Cuisine

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Sopapillas are a popular Mexican dessert that are essentially fried biscuit puffs. They are light and fluffy on the inside, with a crispy exterior that is perfect for dipping in honey or sprinkling with cinnamon sugar. This recipe is easy to make and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Sopapillas have been enjoyed in Mexico for centuries, with their origins dating back to the Native American tribes of the region. The name "sopapilla" is derived from the Spanish word "sopa," which means soup, and "pilla," which means to soak up. This is because sopapillas are often served with a soup or stew to soak up the delicious flavors.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
0.5 tsp salt
1 tbsp shortening
0.67 cup lukewarm water
fat for frying
honey or sugar and cinnamon

How to prepare

In a bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles cornmeal.
Gradually add the water, stirring with a fork until the dough becomes crumbly.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it into a smooth ball.
Divide the dough in half and let it stand for 10 minutes.
Roll each half into a rectangle measuring 12.5 x 10 inches.
Cut the dough into squares measuring 2.5 inches (do not reroll or patch the dough).
Fry a few squares at a time in deep hot fat at a temperature of 425°F (218°C) until they turn golden.
Drain the fried squares on paper towels.
Serve the squares with honey or roll them in a sugar-cinnamon mixture.

Variations

Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for a spiced flavor.
Fill the sopapillas with a sweet filling, such as fruit preserves or chocolate spread, before frying.
Sprinkle the sopapillas with powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar for a different taste.

Notes

Makes 40.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying the sopapillas to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying the sopapillas, as this can cause them to become soggy.

- Serve the sopapillas immediately after frying for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Sopapillas are best served warm with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. They can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to ensure the sopapillas are light and fluffy.

- Fry the sopapillas in hot oil to achieve a crispy exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable oil instead of shortening in the dough.

- If you don't have all-purpose flour, you can use bread flour as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sopapilla dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling and cutting.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sopapillas on a platter with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a beautiful presentation. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Sopapillas pair well with a cup of hot chocolate or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They are also delicious with a cup of coffee or tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Sopapillas are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sopapillas contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of sopapillas contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of sopapillas contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of sopapillas contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sopapillas are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Sopapillas contain wheat and may contain traces of soy and dairy.

Summary

Sopapillas are a delicious treat that are relatively low in calories and fats. However, they are high in carbohydrates, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Sopapillas are a delightful dessert that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them with honey, cinnamon sugar, or a sweet filling, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy these fried biscuit puffs as a special treat that will transport you to the flavors of Mexico.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for sopapillas in an old, tattered cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on the simple yet intriguing ingredients and instructions for making these fried biscuit puffs. It was a recipe unlike any I had ever seen before, and I couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

Growing up, I was always fascinated by the art of cooking. My own grandmother was a wonderful cook, and I would often spend hours watching her in the kitchen, mesmerized by the way she effortlessly whipped up delicious meals from scratch. I learned so much from her over the years, and I treasured the moments we spent together in the kitchen.

One day, as I was helping my grandmother clean out her attic, I stumbled upon a box filled with old cookbooks and recipe cards. Amongst the worn pages and faded ink, I found a recipe for sopapillas that piqued my interest. The recipe had been handwritten by my great-grandmother, and it was clear that it had been passed down through the generations.

I decided to give the recipe a try, and I set to work gathering the ingredients. Flour, baking powder, salt, water, and a touch of sugar were all that was needed to make the dough. I mixed everything together in a bowl, kneading it until it was smooth and elastic. I let the dough rest for a while, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop.

Once the dough had rested, I rolled it out into a thin sheet and cut it into small squares. I heated up a pot of oil on the stove, and carefully dropped the dough squares into the hot oil. As soon as they hit the oil, they puffed up beautifully, turning golden brown and crispy on the outside.

I couldn't believe how easy it was to make these sopapillas, and the taste was out of this world. The slightly sweet dough paired perfectly with the crispy exterior, creating a delicious treat that was irresistible. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, and I made a mental note to pass it down to my own grandchildren one day.

As I sat down to enjoy a plate of freshly fried sopapillas, I couldn't help but think about the journey that had brought this recipe into my life. From my great-grandmother's kitchen to my own, the tradition of cooking and sharing recipes had been passed down through the generations. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the women who had come before me, and for the knowledge and wisdom they had imparted.

In that moment, I realized that cooking was more than just a hobby or a chore – it was a way to connect with my past, to honor my heritage, and to create lasting memories with my loved ones. And as I savored each bite of the warm, fluffy sopapillas, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of where I had come from, and a promise of where I was going.