Description
Try Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas with honey! These delicious, crispy pastries are perfect for a sweet treat or snack any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus an additional ¼ cup for kneading) – The foundation of the dough, providing structure and texture.
- 400 grams pumpkin (or 1 cup pumpkin puree) – Adds flavor, moisture, and a vibrant color to the sopaipillas.
- 3 tablespoons butter – Provides richness and contributes to the lovely texture of the dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the sopaipillas to rise and become light and airy.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the dish.
- Honey (to taste) – The heavenly drizzle that completes these sopaipillas, adding sweetness and flavor.
- Oil for frying – Essential for creating that crispy outer layer; a neutral oil works best.
Instructions
- Prepare the Pumpkin: Start by boiling 400 grams of fresh pumpkin until it is fork-tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain, cool, and mash it into a smooth puree. If using pumpkin puree, ensure it is of good quality.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed.
- Combine Pumpkin and Butter: In a separate bowl, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and slowly add it along with the pumpkin puree to the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold the mixture until everything is just combined. If the mixture is too sticky, adjust the consistency by adding a little more flour or the reserved pumpkin water as needed.
- Let the Dough Rest: Once the dough is mixed, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to work with.
- Knead the Dough: After resting, sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes bouncy. Be careful not to over-knead as this can make the sopaipillas tough.
- Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough to approximately ¼ inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles. You can also make other shapes if desired.
- Fry the Sopaipillas: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. Carefully place the dough circles into the hot oil, frying until they become golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with absorbent paper to drain excess oil.
- Serve: While still warm, drizzle the sopaipillas with honey to taste. They are best enjoyed fresh and warm!