Sopapillasroswell, New Mexico
Sopapillas from Roswell, New Mexico are fluffy, golden pastries with a hint of sweetness and a crispy exterior. Perfect as a dessert or snack, they are traditionally served warm with honey or dusted with sugar. Their light texture and mild flavor make them a favorite for all ages seeking a taste of New Mexico.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the dissolved yeast, shortening, and cooled scalded milk to the dry ingredients.
- Mix until a soft dough forms, adding more flour if necessary.
- Knead the dough briefly on a floured surface until smooth.
- Divide the dough into small balls and roll each into a thin circle.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the rolled dough until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with honey.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fluffier texture, allow the dough to rise for an additional 30 minutes before rolling. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with butter or lard. Ensure the oil is hot enough to fry the sopapillas quickly, preventing them from becoming greasy. If you prefer a sweeter treat, consider adding cinnamon sugar for dusting after frying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve sopapillas warm as a delightful dessert or snack. They pair wonderfully with honey or maple syrup drizzled on top. For a savory twist, serve alongside dishes like Mexican Chef Salad or Layered Refried Beans. These treats can also be enjoyed with a side of fresh fruit for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sopapillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sopapillasroswell, New Mexico contains roughly 281 calories, with 8g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1684mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before rolling out for frying. This can enhance the flavor and texture of your sopapillas.
What type of oil is best for frying?
For frying sopapillas, use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. This ensures they fry evenly and don't impart unwanted flavors. Avoid olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and can burn easily.
Can I bake sopapillas instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake sopapillas for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the rolled dough on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until golden and puffed. However, they will have a different texture compared to fried versions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).