Uruguayan Fried Pastries

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons lard, melted 2 tablespoons lard, melted
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Sugar, for sprinkling Sugar, for sprinkling
• Dulce de leche, for serving (optional) Dulce de leche, for serving (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. 2.
   Add the melted butter and lard to the flour mixture and mix well.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the warm water while stirring, until a soft dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a ball.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat.
7. 7.
   Flatten each dough ball into a round disc, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
8. 8.
   Fry the discs in the hot oil until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
9. 9.
   Remove the fried pastries from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
10. 10.
    Sprinkle the warm pastries with sugar and serve immediately. Optionally, serve with dulce de leche for dipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is melted but not hot to avoid cooking the dough.
• Lard — If you can't find lard, you can substitute it with vegetable shortening.
• Vegetable oil — Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra fluffiness, let the dough rest for 10 minutes before rolling and frying.
• Dust your work surface with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
• Adjust the frying temperature as needed to achieve a golden brown color without burning the pastries.
• Experiment with different toppings such as cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar for added flavor.
• If you prefer a savory version, omit the sugar and serve the pastries with cheese or ham.

Serving advice

Serve the Uruguayan Fried Pastries warm for the best experience. They are perfect for breakfast or as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden brown pastries on a platter and sprinkle them generously with sugar. For an elegant touch, dust them with powdered sugar before serving. Serve with a side of dulce de leche for dipping, if desired.