Let’s make crispy, light, and yummy Sopapillas with an easy 45-minute recipe. This is a perfect dessert for any occasion. Serve it with honey, ice cream, or whipped cream, and enjoy!
Indulge in the magic of simplicity with these Easy Sopapillas! A dessert that effortlessly captures the essence of Hispanic cuisine, offering a crispy and golden delight in just 45 minutes. The versatility of sopapillas shines as they pair elegantly with honey, ice cream, or the luxurious touch of whipped cream. A perfect treat for any occasion, bringing the warmth and aroma of a traditional kitchen to your table.
What Are Sopapillas?
Sopapillas are a traditional fried dough in Hispanic cuisine, especially popular in Mexico and parts of the American Southwest. They are typically made from a leavened dough that is rolled thin and then deep-fried until it puffs up. The result is a light, crispy, airy texture. They are usually served as a dessert and are commonly sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon, or topped with honey, ice cream, caramel sauce, or whipped cream. You can eat them alone or serve as an accompaniment to various savory dishes.
Sopapillas Origin
Sopapillas are a traditional dessert from New Mexico, United States. They have their roots in Hispanic cuisine. The exact origin of sopapillas is somewhat uncertain. However, it is believed that they were brought to the region by early Spanish settlers or Native Americans.
The name ‘sopapilla’ is derived from the Spanish word ‘sopa’, which means ‘soup’ or ‘bread soaked in soup’, and ‘pilla’, which means ‘catch’ or ‘grasp’. This suggests that sopapillas were originally intended as a type of bread or pastry that could be dipped or soaked in hearty dishes such as soups or stews.
How to Make Sopapillas
Sopapillas are a quick dessert that you can make in a short time with simple ingredients. Below, you can read short information about each ingredient. Moreover, step-by-step instructions will help you to make sopapillas without any complications.
Sopapilla Ingredients
- Flour: Flour provides structure to the dough.
- Shortening: Adds fat to the dough, helping to texture and tenderize the sopapillas.
- Baking powder: Use baking powder as a leavening agent to help the sopapillas puff up and become light and airy when fried.
- Salt: It enhances the flavor of the dough.
- Water: Used to bind the ingredients together to form the dough.
- Oil: Use the oil for frying the sopapillas and the creation of the crispy outer layer.
How to Make Sopapillas?
- In a large bowl,combine flour, shortening, baking powder, and salt.
- Then, stir in the water and use your fingers to work the dough.
- Cover the dough and let it stand for 20 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer.
- Roll out the dough to 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick and cut into 3-inch squares.
- Fry sopapillas until squares are golden brown on both sides.
- Let drip off on paper towels. Enjoy!
What can I serve with the sopapillas?
If you’re going to serve them in a sweet context, you can mix a couple of tablespoons of granulated sugar with two teaspoons of ground cinnamon and sprinkle them with this mixture as soon as they come out of the oil. Also, you can serve them in a savory context alongside these veggie black bean enchiladas or beef tacos.
How to Store Sopapillas?
It is best to serve and enjoy sopapillas warm, immediately after frying. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container, and they will keep for up to three days.
Freeze OR Make Ahead Tips
- To make it ahead. You can keep the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To freeze, place the dough in a Ziploc freezer bag and wrap it with aluminum foil. Label and freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw, roll, and fry according to instructions.
- To freeze. You can also freeze fried sopapillas for up to 2 months.
- To reheat. Preheat oven to 300°F. Place the made sopapillas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until just warm (about 5 minutes). Do not overheat, otherwise it dries out and hardens.
Recipe Tips
- To infuse the dough with flavor, consider substituting cinnamon tea for water during preparation.
- Maintain the heat of already fried sopapillas by placing them in a preheated oven set at 90ºC (200ºF). This method is ideal for keeping a fried sopapilla warm while others are being cooked.
- You can make the sopapilla dough a day ahead and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to shape the sopapillas, make sure the dough is at room temperature when you remove it from the refrigerator.
Another type of Sopaipillas
Many other Latin American countries and even New Mexico in the United States, where it is very popular around Christmas time, have variations of this dessert. Countries like Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay have a version very similar to this crunchy treat. However, in these South American countries, they are round with a small hole in the center. They are called “Torta Frita” there. The ingredients are almost the same as in this recipe.
A maximally unhealthy recipe. Everything prepared in deep fryer contains a significant amount of carcinogens and glycated products, directly impacting aging at the cellular level (not to mention the dangerous effects on the cardiovascular system and the accumulation of visceral fat around internal organs). Moreover, serving the dish with ice cream or another sweet component further compounds the harmful combination of nutrients - saturated fats + simple carbohydrates. The only scenario in which this dish can be occasionally indulged in, in very limited quantities, is on a keto diet (in which case you'll need to complement the Sopapilla with a zero-carb topping). In a state of ketosis, the body efficiently derives energy from fats, and in this case, they are not stored as excess weight or clog arteries but rather used to fuel the body's functions. However, it's worth noting that one small Sopapilla contains a whopping 16 grams of carbohydrates, so even on a keto diet, you won't be able to indulge in this dish without interrupting ketosis.
Combine flour, shortening, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in water; mix until dough is smooth. Leave covered for 20 minutes.
Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Roll out dough on a floured board to 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick. Cut into 3-inch squares.
Fry dough squares in the preheated oil until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
Powered by the ESHA Research Database © 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved
For a delightful twist, consider adding a hint of citrus zest to the dough. The subtle brightness of orange or lemon zest can elevate the sopapillas, creating a harmonious balance with the sweetness. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors and make these easy sopapillas uniquely yours!
