Instructions: Oil or fat for deep frying (I use about 2 cups of vegetable oil)

Begin heating the oil to 375F in a heavy saucepan, or use a deep fryer. (Use a candy thermometer if you have one to gauge temperature.)

Sift the pre-sifted flour, baking powder, and salt onto a pastry board, or into a bowl. Cut in the lard or shortening and gradually add the water until everything sticks together. Knead the dough very briefly, cover it, and let it rest for 5 minutes. Lightly flour the board and, with a floured rolling pin, roll out the dough into a very thin rectangle. Cut it into 3-inch squares and drop them, a few at a time, into deep hot fat (375 F.).Turn the squares as they cook, to make them puff evenly. Fry the sopapillas for about 5 minutes (I say 1 minute is enough) until they are nicely browned on both sides. Drain on absorbent paper and serve hot, with honey or syrup.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.