Sopapilla

This sopapilla recipe requires just a few simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ tablespoons shortening
• ½ cup warm water
• 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
• Optional Garnish: powdered sugar and honey

Instructions

• Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Step 2: Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture is crumbly and well combined.
• Step 3: Gradually stir in warm water until a dough forms.
• Step 4: Knead the dough in the bowl for about 2 to 3 minutes until smooth. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
• Step 5: Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 15 minutes.
• Step 6: Add vegetable oil to a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heating it to 350°F to 360°F.
• Step 7: Turn the rested dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 9 x 12 inches.
• Step 8: Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into 12 squares or rectangles.
• Step 9: Fry dough in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet.
• Step 10: Fry each sopapilla for 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Step 11: Sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with honey if desired before serving.

Storage Information

Sopapillas are best enjoyed fresh. Due to their fried nature, they tend to become soggy and lose their crispiness if stored. However, if you have leftovers:

• Room Temperature: Wrap cooled sopapillas in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
• Refrigerator: To extend their lifespan slightly, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2-4 days.
• Freezer: To preserve them for longer, freeze sopapillas in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Air Fryer Instructions

If you prefer a healthier option, you can use an air fryer to cook sopapillas:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Spray the basket with olive oil spray.
• Cook the sopapillas for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

FAQs

• Can sopapillas be made ahead of time?
  No, they are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be reheated in the oven.
• Do sopapillas need to rise before frying?
  Resting the dough is important but they do not need to rise before frying.
• Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
  Whole wheat flour can be used, but it may alter the texture and flavor slightly.
• What are some optional fillings for sopapillas?
  You can fill them with sweet fillings like cinnamon sugar, chocolate, or savory fillings like cheese or beans.
• Are sopapillas gluten-free?
  This recipe uses all-purpose flour, but a gluten-free flour blend can be used as an alternative.

Conclusion

With this easy sopapilla recipe, you can enjoy delicious, fluffy pastries at home that are perfect for any occasion. Whether served plain, sweetened with powdered sugar, or stuffed with savory delights, these sopapillas are sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients and start frying up some taste of heaven!