Bunuelos (cheese fritters)

bunuelos_(cheese_fritters)

Colombia is a country renowned for its rich culture and diverse culinary landscape. From hearty soups to succulent meats, Colombia’s national cuisine is diverse and delicious. One of the most beloved dishes in Colombian culinary tradition is Bunuelos. These deep-fried cheese fritters are not only a popular holiday treat, but they’re also a staple snack for any occasion. They’re crispy on the outside, and fluffy, cheesy, and sweet on the inside. They are perfect for breakfast, a sweet snack, or a side dish.

The Bunuelos are believed to have originated from Spain, and were introduced to the Latin American region during the colonial era. The dish has since been embraced and adapted in many countries, including Colombia, where it has become a cultural icon. Its history spans generations and its recipe has been passed down from one generation to another.

There are a lot of traditional Colombian Bunuelos recipes, but the most popular is the one with queso costeño, an iconic cheese from the Caribbean coast region. To make it, you need simple ingredients: cornstarch, salt, sugar, queso costeño, and eggs. Although the recipe is quite easy to make, it requires some attention to detail and patience.

The first step in making Colombian Bunuelos is to combine cornstarch, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until fluffy, and gradually incorporate them into the dry ingredients. Next, add shredded queso costeño and mix well until a smooth dough is formed. Make sure the dough is not too wet or too crumbly. If it’s too wet, you can add more cornstarch, and if it’s too dry, add a little bit of water.

Once the dough is formed, roll it in your hands to create small balls. Make sure to roll them quickly because if the dough sits too long, it might become too hard, and it will be challenging to shape. You can make the balls as large or as small as you want, but you’ll need to have some consistency in size to ensure even cooking.

The final step is to deep fry the Bunuelos. Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep fryer or a sturdy pot until it reaches a temperature of 350-375℉. Gently add the dough balls into the hot oil and fry them for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pot, or the temperature of the oil might drop, resulting in uneven cooking. Once the Bunuelos are cooked, remove them from the pot using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Colombian Bunuelos are best served hot, and you can pair them with a cup of hot chocolate, coffee or any beverage of your choice. They’re wonderful when eaten fresh out of the fryer, so if you’re making them for a family, make sure to prepare them just before serving.

In conclusion, Colombian Bunuelos are a beloved and iconic dish in Latin America. Its history and recipe have been passed down from generation to generation, and it continues to be a cultural staple in Colombia. This traditional recipe using queso costeño cheese is easy and affordable to make at home, and it’s a perfect snack for any occasion. If you want to bring a touch of Colombia into your home, try making some Bunuelos today.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. of cassava flour
  • 1 lb. of fresh farmers cheese, crumbled
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground anise
  • 5 cups of canola oil, for frying
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the cassava flour, cheese, salt, baking powder and anise.

  2. Add the eggs and knead until a smooth dough forms.

  3. With lightly oiled hands, roll pieces of dough into balls about the size of a golf ball.

  4. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350-375°F), drop the balls of dough into the oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding.

  5. Fry until golden brown and crispy, around 6-8 minutes.

  6. Remove the fritters from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

  7. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon.

  8. Roll each fritter in the sugar mixture until fully coated.

  9. Serve the bunuelos hot and crispy with a sprinkle of extra sugar on top if desired. Enjoy!