Rosca Frita

Rosca Frita Recipe

Rosca Frita, also known as “Rosca” or “Fried Rosca,” is a delightful traditional treat that’s popular in various Latin American countries, particularly during festive occasions. This sweet, fried pastry has a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, often enjoyed with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of syrup. Here’s a detailed recipe for making Rosca Frita at home.

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup orange juice (optional, for added flavor)
• For Frying:
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
• For Garnishing:
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Cinnamon sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
2. Cream the Butter: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or do this by hand with a wooden spoon.
3. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. If using orange juice, incorporate it into the mixture at this point.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until a smooth dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If necessary, add a bit more flour to prevent sticking.
6. Let the Dough Rest: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm place for about 30 minutes. This resting period helps the dough to rise slightly and makes it easier to roll out.

2. Shape the Roscas

1. Roll Out the Dough: After resting, turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness.
2. Cut into Shapes: Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough. For each circle, use a smaller cutter to cut out the center, creating a ring shape. Alternatively, you can form the dough into rings by hand.
3. Prepare for Frying: Arrange the cut-out dough on a floured surface or parchment paper while you heat the oil.

3. Fry the Roscas

1. Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; it should rise to the surface and start bubbling.
2. Fry the Roscas: Carefully slide the dough rings into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to turn them and ensure they cook evenly.
3. Drain and Cool: Remove the fried roscas from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Once the Rosca Fritas have cooled slightly, they’re ready to be enjoyed. Serve them warm or at room temperature, with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, if desired. These sweet treats are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or as a festive dessert.

Tips

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavorings such as lemon zest, nutmeg, or almond extract to customize the roscas to your taste.
• Storage: Store any leftover roscas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the oven to regain some of their crispiness.

Rosca Frita is a charming and delicious treat that brings a touch of celebration to any day. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful pastries with family and friends!