Homemade Sopapilla
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5
Homemade Sopapilla
Description
The recipe mixes flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and fat such as lard with warm milk to form a smooth dough. After resting, the dough is rolled out thinly and cut into squares, then fried in hot oil until puffed and golden, flipping once for even cooking. The fried sopapillas become pocketed and hollow inside from the steam during frying, creating a light texture.
They are traditionally served warm with honey poured on top or for dipping, providing a sweet, comforting contrast to the subtly spiced fried dough. The cinnamon in the dough adds a warm flavor note, and the ability to substitute water for milk slightly adjusts the tender crumb.
These sopapillas can be dusted with powdered sugar if preferred, adding a delicate sweetness. Using a thermometer for oil temperature ensures proper frying without greasy or heavy results, maintaining a crisp outside and soft inside.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk or water, warm
- 3 tablespoon lard or vegetable shortening
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 quart vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying
- honey for serving
Instructions
- Set out a stand mixer. Place the flour, lard, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in the bowl. Pour the warm milk over the lard. Then beat on medium until very smooth. If the dough doesn’t quite come together add another small splash of milk and beat again.
- Wrap the dough in plastic and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, set a large 6-8 quart sauce pot over medium heat. Add the oil to the pot. Attach a frying thermometer to the side of the pot, making sure the tip is down in the oil. Bring the temperature to 375 degrees F. Set a holding plate on the side lined with paper towels.
- Once the dough has had time to rest, sprinkle a clean work surface with extra flour. Roll the dough ball out into a large rectangle, 1/8 -1 /4 inch thick. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 3 inch squares.
- Working in batches, carefully drop 3-5 squares in the hot oil. Let them rise to the surface of the oil, then use tongs to flip them over. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until light golden brown. (They will look darker out of the oil.)
- Move to a hold plate. Repeat with the remaining sopapillas.
- Serve warm, with a side of honey.
Notes
- Milk in the dough results in a softer interior, but water can be used as a substitute if needed.
- Lightly dusting the sopapillas with powdered sugar before serving adds a delicate sweetness.
- Maintain oil temperature at 375°F for optimal puffing and crispness during frying.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24sopapillas
Amount Per Serving
Calories 116 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1pc | |
| Calories | 116kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 102mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 86mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 109IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 41mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.