How to Make Sopapillas
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (480g)
- ¼ cup vegetable shortening (51g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon honey (plus extra for serving)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups warm water (105-110°F, 360mL)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Combine the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, shortening, baking powder, honey, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the warm water until a smooth dough forms.
- Cover the dough and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Step 2: Shape the Sopapillas
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
- Cut the dough into 3-inch squares.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- In a large Dutch oven, pour vegetable oil to a depth of 1½ inches.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (use a deep-fry thermometer to check).
- Line a baking sheet with paper towels for draining the fried sopapillas.
Step 4: Fry the Sopapillas
- Working in batches, carefully add the dough squares to the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Fry the sopapillas, flipping as needed, for 1 to 2 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed.
- If a sopapilla doesn’t puff immediately, gently press it under the oil with a strainer or spoon to encourage puffing.
- Once fried, transfer the sopapillas to the prepared baking sheet to drain.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the sopapillas warm, drizzled with honey for a delightful treat.
Enjoy these light and fluffy fried pastries! 🌟