Description
Sopapillas are a delightful, fluffy fried dough pastry commonly enjoyed in Southwestern and Latin American cuisines. Crispy on the outside and light on the inside, they are typically served warm with honey drizzled over them for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This recipe yields soft, golden sopapillas that puff up beautifully when fried, making for a delicious treat snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 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, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening.
- Add Shortening and Water: Incorporate the vegetable shortening and warm water into the dry mix, kneading gently until a soft dough forms, making sure the dough is smooth but not sticky.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and allow it to rest for about 20 minutes to relax the gluten and improve texture.
- Roll the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to an even thickness of approximately 1/8 inch, ensuring it’s thin enough for puffing when fried.
- Cut the Dough: Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice the rolled dough into squares or triangles of desired size, typically around 3-4 inches per side.
- Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C) to ensure proper frying without excess oil absorption.
- Fry the Sopapillas: Carefully place the dough pieces into the hot oil, frying them until they puff up and turn a golden brown color, usually about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Flip as needed to cook evenly.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried sopapillas with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm, drizzled generously with honey for added sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is consistent to allow sopapillas to puff and cook evenly without becoming greasy.
- You can optionally sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar instead of honey for a different twist.
- Do not stack fried sopapillas as they may become soggy; keep them on a paper towel-lined plate.
- The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated, just bring it to room temperature before rolling out.
