Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- Pastry cutter or knife
- Deep fryer or large pot for frying
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar.
2. Cut the butter into small pieces and add it to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each one out into a thin circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Use a pastry cutter or knife to cut each circle into small squares or rectangles.
7. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.
8. Carefully drop a few tortas fritas into the hot oil and fry them until they are golden brown on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side.
9. Use a slotted spoon to remove the tortas fritas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. Serve the tortas fritas warm, dusted with powdered sugar.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Frying temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
Makes about 20 tortas fritas
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 5g
Saturated fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour.
- Margarine or shortening can be substituted for butter.
- Soy milk or almond milk can be substituted for regular milk.
- Gluten-free flour can be used for a gluten-free version.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced version.
- Serve the tortas fritas with honey or jam for dipping.
- Add grated lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Don't overcrowd the fryer or pot with too many tortas fritas at once, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and result in greasy, undercooked tortas fritas.
- Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the tortas fritas from the oil, as this will help drain excess oil and prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Dust the tortas fritas with powdered sugar while they are still warm, as this will help the sugar stick to the surface.
Storage instructions:
Store the tortas fritas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the tortas fritas, place them in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the tortas fritas on a platter or in a basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin.
Garnishes:
Dust the tortas fritas with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries or fruit slices.
Pairings:
Serve the tortas fritas with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a classic Argentinean breakfast.
Suggested side dishes:
Tortas fritas are often served with dulce de leche, a caramel-like spread made from sweetened condensed milk.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk. If it is too wet, add a little more flour.
Food safety advice:
Be careful when working with hot oil, and never leave it unattended on the stove.
Food history:
Tortas fritas are a traditional Argentinean pastry that date back to the 19th century. They were originally made by gauchos (cowboys) who cooked them over an open fire while out on the range.
Flavor profiles:
Tortas fritas are lightly sweetened and have a crispy, fried exterior with a soft, doughy interior.
Serving suggestions:
Tortas fritas are often served for breakfast or as a snack with coffee or tea. They can also be served as a dessert with dulce de leche or other sweet toppings.
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Region: Argentina
Taste: Crispy, Savory, Buttery, Salty, Comforting