Tortas Fritas (Fried Cakes)

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 3/4 cup Warm Water
• 2 cups Vegetable Oil

Original measure retained: its cup/spoon or fluid-volume standard is unspecified.

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of All-Purpose Flour, 2 tsp Baking Powder, and 1/2 tsp Salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
2. 2Gradually add the 3/4 cup of Warm Water to the dry ingredients. Mix with your hands or a spoon until a shaggy dough starts to form.
3. 3Turn the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, pushing and folding it, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4Roll the dough out to a thickness of 0.635 cm. Use a knife or a round cutter to cut the dough into circles or squares, about 7.62 cm in size.
5. 5Pour the 2 cups of Vegetable Oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 175°C.
6. 6Carefully place a few of the cut dough pieces into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they puff up and turn a deep golden brown color. They should sound like a gentle sizzle in the oil.
7. 7Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the fried dough cakes from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. 8Serve the Tortas Fritas warm. They are traditionally served with dulce de leche, if desired.

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