Sopapillas are a fried pastry made with flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening. They are usually served as a sweet treat and are often topped with honey, cinnamon, or sugar. They are a popular snack in Mexican and New Mexican cuisine.
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp vegetable shortening
1 cup warm water
Oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the warm water and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into desired shapes (traditionally, sopapillas are cut into squares or triangles).
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 375°F.
- Carefully place the sopapillas in the hot oil and fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and puffy.
- Remove the sopapillas from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve the sopapillas warm, and enjoy with honey, cinnamon sugar or with a savory filling of your choice.