Photo from pinterest.com

Sopaipillas are a beloved Chilean fried pastry often enjoyed as a snack or with tea. Made with simple ingredients like pumpkin, flour, and a hint of salt, these golden treats have a unique texture—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Sopaipillas are delicious on their own or served with pebre salsa or drizzled with sweet syrup.

Ingredients

1 lb (0.45 kg) pumpkin, peeled and cubed

2 cups (0.45 kg) all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Prepare the Pumpkin: Boil the pumpkin cubes until soft, then drain and mash until smooth. Let the mashed pumpkin cool slightly.

Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the mashed pumpkin to the dry ingredients and mix well until a dough forms.

Knead and Roll Out: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness.

Cut the Dough: Use a round cutter to cut the dough into circles (about 3 inches in diameter).

Fry the Sopaipillas: Heat oil in a deep frying pan to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the sopaipillas in batches, cooking each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Drain and Serve: Remove the sopaipillas from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serving

Serve sopaipillas warm, accompanied by pebre salsa or a drizzle of chancaca syrup (molasses syrup) for a touch of sweetness. They make an excellent snack for any time of day.

Chilean sopaipillas are a comforting and versatile treat, perfect for satisfying both savory and sweet cravings. Easy to make, they’re a delightful way to experience traditional Chilean flavors.