Colombian fritters, step by step - Christmas recipes

Colombian fritters are a true delight that awakens joy and flavor in the Christmas season. These fluffy golden balls are a culinary icon in Colombia and are the perfect accompaniment to share with the family during the festivities.

Buñuelos are a culinary tradition rooted in Colombian culture , especially during Christmas and New Years. These little spheres of fried dough are known for their fluffy texture and deliciously sweet and salty flavor. Colombians enjoy them during breakfast, snack or as an appetizer in special celebrations.

Ingredients for the Preparation

The ingredients to make Colombian fritters are easy to find and can be found in any typical kitchen. The basic recipe includes:

• 250 grams of fresh Colombian cheese (costeño cheese or Creole cheese)
• 250 grams of cassava starch
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation:

1. Grate the fresh Colombian cheese into a large bowl.

2. Mix of Dry Ingredients: Add the cassava starch, baking powder, sugar and salt to the bowl with the grated cheese. Mix all dry ingredients well until incorporated.

3. Add the Eggs: Crack the eggs and add them one by one to the mixture of dry ingredients and cheese. Mix carefully until you get a smooth and homogeneous mass.
4. Preparation of the Dough: Make sure that the dough is not too sticky. If necessary, you can moisten your hands with a little oil to facilitate handling.
5. Form the Buñuelos: Take small portions of dough with your hands and form balls the size of a walnut.

6.Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep skillet until hot but not smoking.

7. Frying the Buñuelos: Fry the buñuelos in small portions to prevent them from sticking together. Turn the buñuelos frequently so that they brown evenly. Remove the fritters from the oil when they are golden and crisp.
8. Remove Excess Fat: Place the fried fritters on absorbent paper to remove excess fat.
Serve and Enjoy:

9. Serve the buñuelos hot and accompany them with a cup of Colombian hot chocolate to enjoy them at their best.

Tips to Get the Perfect Texture

One of the secrets to getting the fluffy and light texture of the fritters is to mix the ingredients well without over-kneading the dough. Cassava starch is responsible for this characteristic, and when properly combined with cheese and eggs, the desired consistency is obtained. Be sure not to overdo the baking powder, as too much can cause the fritters to expand too much during frying.

Fritter Variations

Although the basic recipe for Colombian fritters is the most common, there are some regional and personal variations that add a special touch to this delight. Some people add pieces of anise or orange zest to the dough to give it a unique flavor. It is also common to find buñuelos filled with bocadillo (guava sweet) or arequipe (dulce de leche), which add a sweet and delicious touch to the buñuelo.

Fritters as Tradition

In Colombia, buñuelos are much more than a simple recipe; they are a tradition that brings families together during the Christmas festivities and the New Year. Sharing and enjoying buñuelos is a way to express love and family unity during these special celebrations. In many Colombian homes, preparing the buñuelos is an activity in which everyone participates, from the youngest to the oldest, creating unforgettable memories and moments.