Sopaipillas
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
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Prepare the Pumpkin
Boil the pumpkin cubes until soft, then drain and mash until smooth. Let the mashed pumpkin cool slightly.
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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.
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Knead and Roll Out
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness.
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Cut the Dough
Use a round cutter to cut the dough into circles (about 3 inches in diameter).
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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.
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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.
