Sopapillas are a type of fried pastry that originates from Mexico and is traditionally made with flour. Although the traditional dough works just fine, it takes time. So, how about a shortcut? Many people have started experimenting with dough types, including store-bought flour tortillas as shortcuts.
So, want to know how to make sopapillas with flour tortillas? Read ahead and find out.
What is Sopapillas?
The history of sopapillas is unclear, but it is believed that they were introduced to New Mexico by Spanish settlers in the 1800s. Sopapillas have become popular in New Mexico culture and are often served at celebrations and festivals. They are made from flour, water, shortening, baking powder, and salt. The dough is then deep-fried and served with honey or syrup.
Sopapillas have a light and fluffy texture with a slight sweetness. They can be served as a dessert or as a side dish. Sopapillas are versatile and can be served with toppings such as cinnamon sugar, chocolate sauce, or fruit compote.
Can You Make Sopapillas with Flour Tortillas?
You can make sopapillas with flour tortillas! Flour tortillas are the most common type of dough used to make sopapillas. Therefore, using premade tortillas is a great choice. Using flour tortillas for making sopapillas is quick, effortless, and a great choice for easy snacks and desserts.
Different Ways of Making Sopapillas with Flour Tortillas
Here are a few easy ways you can make sopapillas:
- Stovetop: The easiest way to make sopapillas is over a stovetop. All you need is a large skillet and a lot of oil. Deep fry the tortillas until they are puffy and crispy.
- Air fryer: Another easy yet quick way to make sopapillas is by cooking them in an air fryer. An air fryer uses hot air to cook the dish; the best part is that you don’t need oil. Therefore, it is a quick and convenient way of making sopapillas. However, brush the flour tortilla pieces with melted butter to ensure they get a nice crisp and puff up nicely in the air fryer.
- Oven: Lastly, you can also make sopapillas in the oven. Especially when you are making them in a large batch, an oven is the best choice. It is a convenient and quick way to make and enjoy the dish. You have to bake them at 350 degrees until they are golden brown and crispy.
Tips to Remember
While sopapillas are fairly easy to make, there are a few tips to keep in mind while making them:
- Be sure to use enough oil when frying the sopapillas. The pot should be at least 2/3 filled with oil.
- If the oil is not hot enough, the sopapillas will absorb less and be greasy. Conversely, if the oil is too hot, the outside of the sopapilla will be burned while the inside remains doughy. So make sure the oil has an optimum temperature.
- If you add any filling, ensure that you fill the tortilla with filling. Too much filling will cause the tortilla to tear when you try to fold it and make it difficult to eat.
- Use the correct type of flour tortilla, one that is soft and pliable. If your tortilla is too stiff, it won’t be easy to work with and will result in a less-than-ideal sopapilla. So go for fresh tortillas.
- Once you’ve fried up your sopapillas, sprinkle them with plenty of powdered sugar. This will give them a sweet and irresistible flavor that everyone will love!
Topping Ideas
Try these topping ideas to enjoy sopapillas:
- Syrups: Syrups like chocolate or strawberry are a great topping for this dessert. You can also drizzle maple syrup and enjoy its sweet caramel-like flavor.
- Honey: Honey is yet another widely used topping for sopapillas.
- Jams: You can also enjoy sopapillas with fruit jams and fruit compotes
How to Store Sopapillas with Flour Tortillas
If you’re using flour tortillas, here’s how to store them so they stay fresh and delicious.
- Make sure your sopapillas are completely cooled before storing them. If they’re still warm, they’ll stick together and become gummy.
- To store, stack the sopapillas on a plate or in a storage container, separating each with a piece of wax paper or parchment paper. Then cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- When you’re ready to enjoy your sopapillas, reheat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Or, if you prefer, heat in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds per side.
How to Make Sopapillas with Flour Tortillas
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: Â 15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 6 flour tortillas, street-sized
- vegetable oil, as required
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tbsp. cinnamon powder
Instructions
- Place the tortillas on a smooth working surface and cut them into quarters using a knife.
- Pour oil into a heavy skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add 4 to 6 tortilla pieces of tortillas at a time and fry until golden and puffy.
- The flip side of the tortilla pieces and fry until the other becomes golden.
- Once ready, remove the sopapillas from the skillet, transfer them to a plate lined with a paper towel, and let them drain.
- In the meantime, in a bowl, add sugar and cinnamon powder, and mix well.
- Once the sopapillas are drained, generously sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon powder mixture and serve.
How to make sopapillas with flour tortillas
Ingredients
- 6 flour tortillas street-sized
- vegetable oil as required
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tbsp. cinnamon powder
Instructions
- Place the tortillas on a smooth working surface and cut them into quarters using a knife.
- Pour oil into a heavy skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add 4 to 6 tortilla pieces of tortillas at a time and fry until golden and puffy.
- The flip side of the tortilla pieces and fry until the other becomes golden.
- Once ready, remove the sopapillas from the skillet, transfer them to a plate lined with a paper towel, and let them drain.
- In the meantime, in a bowl, add sugar and cinnamon powder, and mix well.
- Once the sopapillas are drained, generously sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon powder mixture and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best method for making sopapillas using flour tortillas in the oven?
To make sopapillas using flour tortillas in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F, cut the tortillas into triangles, and arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake until they’re golden and puffed, typically 8-10 minutes.
How can I prepare sopapillas in an air fryer, starting with flour tortillas?
Place cut flour tortillas in the air fryer basket, lightly spray with oil, and cook at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until puffy and lightly browned, making sure to turn them halfway through cooking for even crispness.
Can I make sopapillas using corn tortillas, and if so, how do they differ from using flour tortillas?
Sopapillas can be made with corn tortillas; they will have a distinct corn flavor and a heartier texture. The method is similar to flour tortillas, but expect a less puffy and more robust result due to the different dough texture.
What are the essential ingredients to make classic sopapillas from scratch?
The essential ingredients for classic sopapillas include all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, shortening, and water or milk. These ingredients create the dough that puffs up when fried.
Why might my sopapillas not puff up during cooking, and how can I prevent this?
Sopapillas may not puff up if the oil isn’t hot enough, the dough isn’t cut properly, or there’s not enough leavening agent. Ensure the oil is at a consistent 375°F, the dough is rolled evenly, and use the correct amount of baking powder.
What modifications can I make to create sweet flour tortillas suitable for sopapillas?
To make sweet flour tortillas for sopapillas, add sugar and a pinch of cinnamon to the dough. This modification will yield a dessert-like flavor, complementing toppings like honey or powdered sugar.
