Indulge in the delightful flavors of El Salvador with our traditional Torrejas recipe! Torrejas, a beloved dessert in Salvadoran cuisine, are reminiscent of French toast but with a unique twist. Made with slices of bread soaked in a sweet, spiced syrup, then fried to golden perfection, these Torrejas offer a taste of comfort and nostalgia in every bite. Whether enjoyed warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or paired with a dollop of cream or fruit compote, this dessert is sure to become a cherished favorite. Follow our step-by-step instructions to recreate this authentic Salvadoran delicacy in your own kitchen and treat your taste buds to a truly delicious experience.

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of bread (preferably slightly stale)
• 2 cups of water
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves
• 1 cup of honey (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- Prepare the Syrup:

- In a saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, and cloves.

- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

- Once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat to low and let the syrup simmer for about 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.

- Remove the syrup from heat and allow it to cool. You can remove the cinnamon stick and cloves at this point if you prefer a smoother syrup.

2- Soak the Bread:

- Dip each slice of bread into the cooled syrup, ensuring that both sides are well coated.

- Let the bread slices soak in the syrup for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

3- Fry the Torrejas:

- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.

- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the soaked bread slices into the pan.

- Fry the torrejas for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.

4- Drain and Serve:

- Once fried, remove the torrejas from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

- If using honey, drizzle it over the torrejas while they are still warm.

- Optionally, sprinkle ground cinnamon over the torrejas for added flavor.

5- Serve and Enjoy:

- Serve the El Salvador Torrejas warm as a delicious dessert or snack.

- You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with whipped cream, fruit compote, or ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

These sweet fried bread torrejas soaked in syrup or honey are a delightful taste of El Salvadoran cuisine, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!

Nutritional Values :

Bread (6 slices):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 90g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 6g

benefits

• Provides carbohydrates for energy
• Contains some protein for muscle repair and growth
• Offers dietary fiber for digestive health

Brown Sugar (1 cup):

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 142g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Adds sweetness and flavor to the dish
• Provides a source of quick energy due to its high carbohydrate content
• Contains small amounts of minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium

Honey (1 cup):

• Calories: 1031 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 279g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Acts as a natural sweetener with a distinct flavor
• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases
• Has antimicrobial properties that can support overall health

Vegetable Oil (for frying):

• Calories: 120 kcal (per tablespoon)
• Fat: 14g (per tablespoon)

benefits

• Provides fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin E
• Supplies essential fatty acids necessary for cell function and hormone production
• Adds richness and crispiness to fried foods

Cinnamon Stick and Cloves (for syrup):

• Negligible caloric contribution

benefits

• Enhance the flavor and aroma of the syrup
• Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties
• Cloves contain compounds with potential antimicrobial and analgesic effects

Water:

• No calories or macronutrients

benefits

• Essential for hydration and overall bodily functions
• Helps regulate body temperature and transport nutrients and oxygen to cells
• Aids in digestion and detoxification processes

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands of ingredients and portion sizes. Additionally, the nutritional values for the syrup may vary depending on how much of it is absorbed by the bread during soaking. It's always a good idea to check the nutrition labels on the ingredients you use for the most accurate information.