2024-02-20 07:00:22
The secret to perfect Colombian fritters is to use a salty, hard cheese, like Costeño cheese. Find out how to prepare this traditional Christmas recipe.
Last update : February 20, 2024
At Christmas time, one of the most anticipated delicacies in Colombia are buñuelos. These little balls of fried dough, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, instantly connect us to the Christmas spirit.
We would therefore like to present to you the recipe for donuts to enjoy with family and friends during these holidays. Why are they such an important part of Colombian gastronomic culture?
Origin and importance of buñuelos in Colombia
Although Colombian buñuelos can be prepared at any time of the year, it is more common to eat them at Christmas and New Years. Their origin dates back centuries. They appeared in the Middle East in the 12th century AD, later settling in Spain. And, finally, entering the American continent during the process of Hispanization.
In Colombia, costeño cheese fritters are a traditional recipe that has been around for hundreds of years. Historically, they have been associated with festivals. Indeed, in 1856, the Colombian historian José Manuel Groot published an article in which he described how in Bogota, at Christmas, it was almost obligatory to send friends donuts spread with cane honey from Tierra Caliente.
From the 1930s, industrialization increased the sale of flour to prepare donuts and other products. Today, they are a symbol of tradition and Christmas in this country.
Colombian donuts: what are the ingredients?
To prepare this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
A pinch of salt2 eggs, beaten50 grams of sugar120 grams of cornstarch60 grams of cassava flour150 grams of coastal cheese50 grams of feta cheese or similar1 teaspoon of baking powder1 teaspoon of unsalted butterRequired amount of canola oil or vegetable oil suitable for frying
How to make Colombian buñuelos?
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to get to work making this Christmas recipe. Follow the instructions and, if you want to make the more traditional preparation of buñuelos, try to follow the steps to obtain those round, perfect, golden balls that come to mind when we think of Colombian buñuelos.
In a container, pour the cornstarch, cassava flour, sugar and cheese. Mix gently with a ladle or with your hands. When they are integrated, make a volcano in the center then add the two beaten eggs. Form a dough. Now it is time to add the rest of the ingredients: butter and baking powder. Then mix until the dough is smooth. As soon as it acquires a homogeneous texture, it is time to start knead the balls with your hands.In a deep saucepan, heat the vegetable oil until it reaches 165°C. The ideal temperature means that when you drop in a ball of dough, it sits at the bottom for a moment then rises to the surface and floats. Carefully add the balls then turn the heat down to medium. Fry them until they become golden. It is important to check them regularly to prevent them from burning. Carefully remove them from the oil and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess. The donuts are ready! Serve and enjoy delicious traditional Colombian buñuelos with your family.
Also read: 2 gluten-free Christmas cookie recipes
Tips for preparing the best Colombian buñuelos
Here are some additional recommendations you should consider when baking your donuts.
Buñuelos are salty. The ideal cheese for this recipe is therefore a salty, hard and dry cheese, such as grated costeño. If you use another cheese, the donuts might be too sweet. If when you mix you notice that the dough is very dry, add a little milk. If its texture is very wet (this can happen when the eggs used are very large), add more flour. You can choose the size of the donuts, but it is preferable that they are not very large. Because they won’t cook well inside. Additionally, it is important that all the balls are similar in size so that cooking is even. The oil must first be heated to a high temperature. Then lower the heat to medium so that the dough does not burn and the donuts do not burst. Leave enough space between them when frying. This gives you even cooking and you can turn them or move them while cooking. The crispy texture of their outer layer is more accentuated when they are freshly prepared. So don’t wait too long before consuming them.
A Colombian Christmas recipe par excellence
Cheese buñuelos, which, along with creamed corn, are part of Christmas pastries, are the stars of this celebration in Colombia. This traditional recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, carrying the warmth and authenticity of this country’s gastronomy.
As you can see, their preparation is not complex at all if you follow the steps step by step. We encourage you to gather the necessary ingredients and get to work with these delicious bites to surprise your family and friends next Christmas.
All sources cited have been thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, timeliness and validity. The bibliography for this article has been considered academically or scientifically reliable and accurate.
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