Homemade Sopapillas: A Traditional Latin American Sweet Treat

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons shortening
3/4 cup warm water
Oil for deep frying
Honey or powdered sugar for serving (optional)

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add warm water, stirring to form a soft dough. If needed, add more water a tablespoon at a time to reach the right consistency.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 3-4 minutes.
Divide the dough into small portions, cover, and let rest for 15 minutes.
Roll each portion of dough into a thin circle or square.
In a deep fryer or large heavy pot, heat oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Fry the dough circles or squares, one at a time, until they puff up and become golden brown. Turn once to ensure both sides cook evenly.
Drain the fried sopapillas on paper towels.
Serve warm with honey or dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Tools for making

Large bowl - For mixing the dry ingredients.
Cutting utensil - To cut in the shortening into the dry ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons - To measure the flour, baking powder, salt, shortening, and water accurately.
Rolling pin - To roll out the dough into thin circles or squares.
Flour - For dusting the surface while rolling out the dough.
Deep fryer or large heavy pot - For frying the sopapillas.
Tongs or slotted spoon - To flip the sopapillas while frying and to remove them from the oil.
Paper towels - To drain the fried sopapillas.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a touch of spice.
Replace the shortening with butter or coconut oil for a different flavor.
Experiment with different fillings such as cheese, chocolate, or fruit preserves.
Try a savory version by omitting the sugar and adding herbs or spices to the dough.
Make mini sopapillas by cutting the dough into smaller pieces.
Serve the sopapillas with a savory dip or salsa instead of honey or powdered sugar.
Make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for a hint of sweetness.
Sprinkle the sopapillas with cinnamon sugar after frying for an extra burst of flavor.

Recipe overview

Indulge in a taste of traditional New Mexican cuisine with this homemade Sopapillas recipe. Sopapillas are delightful pillows of fried dough, often enjoyed with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. This recipe guides you through the process of making the dough from scratch, shaping it, and frying it to golden perfection in your own kitchen. Expect a simple, fun cooking experience and a delicious, comforting treat that can be served as a sweet dessert or a savory snack. Enjoy the soft, puffy texture and warm, satisfying taste of Sopapillas right at home!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Can I substitute the shortening? Yes, you can use butter or margarine instead of shortening, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the sopapillas.
How should I store leftover sopapillas? It's best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling and frying.
Can I freeze sopapillas? Yes, you can freeze the cooked sopapillas. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Can I bake sopapillas instead of frying them? Traditionally, sopapillas are fried for a light and crispy texture. While you can bake them for a healthier option, they may not have the same characteristic texture as fried sopapillas.

Serving dishes and utensils

Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough into thin circles or squares.
Deep Fryer or Large Heavy Pot - Used for deep frying the sopapillas.
Paper Towels - Used to drain the fried sopapillas and remove excess oil.

Origin stories

Sopapillas, a delightful dessert or snack hailing from the vibrant cultures of Latin America, particularly New Mexico and the Southwestern United States, have a storied past. The word "sopapilla" is believed to derive from the Spanish word "sopaipa," and further back from the Mozarabic word "xopaipa," which translates to "bread soaked in oil." Despite their deep-fried nature, sopapillas were originally baked goods introduced by the Spanish to indigenous peoples of the New World, evolving into the puffed pastry we know today. An interesting quirk about sopapillas is their remarkable versatility. Depending on the region, they can be served as a sweet treat, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with honey, or stuffed with savory fillings to create a hearty meal. The sopapilla's humble origins and transformative nature are a testament to the culinary ingenuity of the cultures that have nurtured its development.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commission from qualifying purchases after you click on affiliate product links (thanks for that). But we hope the links will be relevant and beneficial to you as well.