Sopapillas
- 40m Prep Time
- 15m Cook Time
- 55m Ready In
These New Mexico–style sopapillas are light, puffy fried dough pillows. Serve them as bread alongside savory dishes or drizzle with honey for dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable shortening or lard
- 2/3 cup warm water
- Vegetable oil
Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
Estimated based off 5 of 6 identified ingredients (per 100 g food data, scaled by amount).
Vitamins & minerals
- Calcium: 341 mg
- Iron: 15.1 mg
- Magnesium: 71.7 mg
- Phosphorus: 445 mg
- Potassium: 335 mg
- Zinc: 2.2 mg
Let's Prepare
Collect
Gather these ingredients — no prep needed yet.
- 2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable shortening or lard
- 2/3 cup warm water
- Vegetable oil
Let's Cook
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Step 1.
In a medium bowl, sift together 2½ cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening or lard and use your fingertips to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
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Step 2.
Add ⅔ cup warm water a little at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together into a ball. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 30 seconds until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.
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Step 3.
While the dough rests, pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of at least 2 inches and heat until a deep-fat thermometer registers 370°F (about 185°C).
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Step 4.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the rested dough very thin, about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Cut the dough into 3-inch squares or triangles.
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Step 5.
Using a metal spatula, carefully place a few dough pieces into the hot oil (do not overcrowd the pot). Fry until golden and puffed, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried sopapillas to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool slightly. Repeat with remaining dough. Serve immediately, or keep warm in a 200°F oven for up to 1 hour.