When I think of my favorite things about growing up in New Mexico, one of the first treasures that comes to mind is freshly fried homemade sopapillas drizzled with honey. So warm and deliciously chewy, delightfully fluffy, and golden brown.
These decadent meal finishers are what dreams are made of, and whether you are a native New Mexican or a lucky visitor, you will be captivated by this staple of the Land of Enchantment that is as rich in history as it is flavor.
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Rooted in history, sopapillas are a staple in New Mexican cuisine.
Sopapillas and other native fried breads find their origins in dispute, but one thing is certain, whether originating from Spanish influence, Pueblo Indian origin, or a combination of the two, the sopapilla has been a part of New Mexico’s history and remains an integral accompaniment to a savory meal as well as a sweet finisher. Sopapillas are as versatile as they are delicious.
Stuffed sopapillas are an epic treat.
Start with a freshly fried sopapilla and cut it open to reveal the hollow inside, perfectly ready to be stuffed and filled with your favorite ingredients then smothered in red and green chile and topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. This is one meal that will leave you so full that you almost can’t finish it off with the sopapilla and honey that is waiting for you at the end . . . almost.
A perfect way to show off your skills to out-of-town guests!
This week my family hosted our nephew and his family along with his best friend from California. When we have family in town, we love to take them to our favorite restaurants and make authentic New Mexican recipes for them as well. These quick and easy sopapillas are always a hit! Watching these flat triangles of dough puff up when dropped in the hot oil is so satisfying.
Growing up, my mom made sopapillas from scratch, and like so many of her recipes, this is one I have treasured my whole life. I love to share the gift of food with my friends and family like my mom did for me, and I try to pass that tradition to my children. No matter how you eat this decadent treat, you will most definitely leave the meal with a “panza llena, corazón contento,” a phrase to end a meal that translates to “full stomach, happy heart.”
Authentic New Mexican Sopapillas
Servings: 12
Prep time: 15 min
Cooking time: 30 min
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons lard
- 3/4 cup warm water vegetable oil, for frying
- Honey, powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar (for serving)
Directions:
- Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut the lard into small pieces and add them to the dry mixture. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to work the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Simple ingredients. Make it in the food processor for an easy alternative to kneeding. - Add Warm Water: Gradually pour the warm water into the flour mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands as you go. Keep adding water until the dough comes together in a smooth, soft ball. Be careful not to over mix.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or a deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). It’s important to have enough oil for the sopapillas to float freely during frying.
5. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough like pizza into triangles, each around 3-4 inches in size.
6. Fry the Sopapillas: Carefully place one or two pieces of dough into the hot oil at a time. Fry each sopapilla until it puffs up and turns golden brown on both sides. This should take around 1-2 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sopapillas to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve sopapillas fresh with honey or stuffed with your favorite ingredients and smothered in red and green chile.
I hope you enjoy these wonderful treats as much as our family does. Lots of love from my kitchen to yours!
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