Whether you call them "Sopaipillas" or "Sopapillas," these light and puffy little pillows of fried dough are delicious. I grew up in Southern New Mexico, where we call these wonderful treats "Sopaipillas" (with the "ai" in the spelling). And we serve them hot with honey, or we dust them with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. If sweets aren't your thing, you can also fill them with meat, refried beans, and cheese for a more savory option. Read on for the easy recipe.
Sopaipillas
2 cups sifted flour
3/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. fat (lard, shortening, or vegetable oil)
approx. 3/4 cup warm water or milk
enough oil for deep frying
Combine dry ingredients in mixing bowl. Cut in fat until mixture is crumbly. Add in warm water or milk a little at a time and knead until you have a soft dough. (You may not need all the liquid.) Form into smaller dough balls, cover with dish towel, and let rest 20 minutes.
Pour enough oil into saucepan to where it's 2 inches deep, and heat over medium-high. Once oil is hot, lightly flour your surface, and roll out individual dough balls like a tortilla. Each dough ball should be about 1/8" thick when done. With a small knife, cut into fourths and fry individual pieces in in hot oil. Flip them over to ensure both sides are golden brown. Remove and drain excess oil.
Serve hot with honey, powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, and enjoy!
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"Adventures in Fine Dining"