Authentic Sopaipillas Recipe

Authentic Sopaipillas are light, crispy, and fluffy fried pastries with roots in Latin American and Southwestern cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat drizzled with honey or sprinkled with powdered sugar, or served as a savory side, these golden delights are versatile and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for a quick snack or complementing hearty meals, sopaipillas are a must-try!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening or lard
• 3/4 cup warm water
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Honey or powdered sugar (for serving, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the shortening (or lard) and work it into the flour using your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the warm water a little at a time, mixing until a soft, smooth dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 2–3 minutes until elastic. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

1. After resting, divide the dough into 2–4 portions for easy handling.
2. On a floured surface, roll out each portion to about 1/8-inch thickness.
3. Cut the dough into squares, rectangles, or triangles (about 3–4 inches wide).

Step 3: Fry the Sopaipillas

1. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F–375°F (175°C–190°C).
2. Carefully place 2–3 pieces of dough into the hot oil. They should puff up almost immediately. Fry for 1–2 minutes on each side until golden brown and puffy.
3. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sopaipillas from the oil and drain them on paper towels.

Step 4: Serve Warm

1. Serve the sopaipillas warm. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or enjoy as a savory option with soups or stews.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Sopaipillas are best served fresh and warm for maximum puffiness and flavor. Pair them with honey for a sweet dessert or serve alongside savory dishes like chili or posole.
• Storage: Store leftover sopaipillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

1. Why didn’t my sopaipillas puff up?

Sopaipillas puff best when the dough is rolled thin (1/8 inch) and the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F–375°F). Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying.

2. Can I make sopaipillas ahead of time?

Yes! While sopaipillas are best fresh, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and frying.

3. Can I bake sopaipillas instead of frying them?

Baking is not traditional, but you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, brushing them with oil beforehand. Note that they won’t puff up as much as when fried.

4. What is the difference between sopaipillas and fry bread?

While both are fried doughs, fry bread is denser and often larger, whereas sopaipillas are lighter, flakier, and typically puff up to form a hollow pocket.

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