Experience the magic of the Southwest with these Savory Sopapillas. Traditionally known for their sweetness, this savory twist on sopapillas brings a delightful combination of fluffy, pillowy pastry filled with a spicy and hearty mixture. Perfect as an appetizer or a unique side dish, these sopapillas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough resting)
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Number of Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 12 sopapillas
- Serving Size: 1 sopapilla
Ingredients
Dough
- 500 grams (17.6 ounces or 4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 10 grams (2 teaspoons) baking powder
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) salt
- 60 ml (2 ounces or 1/4 cup) vegetable oil
- 240 ml (8 ounces or 1 cup) warm water
Filling
- 200 grams (7 ounces) ground beef or pork
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 100 grams (3.5 ounces) shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Oil for frying
Method of Preparation
- For the dough, mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add vegetable oil and warm water, stirring to form a soft dough. Knead for 5 minutes, then cover and let rest for 1 hour.
- For the filling, cook the ground meat, onion, and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until the meat is browned. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Set aside to cool.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into squares or circles.
- Place a spoonful of the meat mixture and a sprinkle of cheese in the center of each dough piece. Fold and seal the edges.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 180°C (350°F). Fry the sopapillas in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Ensure the dough is not too thick to achieve the perfect puffiness.
- Keep the oil at a consistent temperature for even frying.
- Serve with salsa or sour cream for added flavor.
FAQs
- Can I make sopapillas in advance? It's best to eat them fresh, but you can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time.
- Can I bake these sopapillas instead of frying? Yes, though they won't be as puffy. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes.
- What vegetarian filling can I use? Try a mix of beans, corn, and cheese for a vegetarian option.