Sopapillas (from scratch)

These are heavenly, and definitely worth the trouble.

Ingredients:
  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 1-1/2 cups warm water (105°F to 115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon shortening, melted
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • vegetable oil
  • sifted confectioners' sugar
  • sugar
  • honey
  • ground cinnamon
Preparation:
  1. Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large mixing bowl, and let stand 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in melted shortening and sugar.
  3. Combine flour and salt.
  4. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the yeast mixture, and mix well.
  5. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic (about 2 minutes).
  6. Place in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease top.
  7. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°F.), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.
  8. Punch dough down and roll to 1/4-inch thickness.
  9. Cut into 2-1/2-inch squares.
  10. Pour oil to a depth of 3 inches into a Dutch oven.
  11. Heat oil to 375°F.
  12. Fry a few sopapillas at a time in the hot oil, lightly pressing down on them with the back of a fork, until the dough starts to puff.
  13. Release pressure, and continue frying until golden brown, turning once; drain.
  14. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar or cinnamon sugar and serve hot, with honey.

Note: See, also, Sopapillas (not quite from Scratch).

Ready in: 1 Hr 40 Min

Recipe editor Patricia Mitchell

Kitchen tools you'll need for Sopapillas (from scratch):
Dutch Oven, Mixing Bowls