Salvadoran Torrejas are a delightful traditional dessert from El Salvador, consisting of sweet, syrup-soaked pancakes. Known for their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior, these torrejas are a popular treat for breakfast or as a dessert throughout the day.
Torrejas have a rich history that dates back to Spain, where they are traditionally enjoyed during Lent and Easter. The dish was introduced to El Salvador during the Spanish colonial period and has since become a beloved part of Salvadoran culinary tradition. In El Salvador, torrejas are especially enjoyed during religious holidays like Christmas and Easter, reflecting their deep cultural significance. The name "torrejas" comes from the Spanish "torrija," referring to sweetened bread soaked in milk or syrup. Salvadoran torrejas, however, have evolved to feature unique local flavors and preparations.
Ingredients:
- For the Torrejas:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Syrup:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
Method:
1. Prepare the Batter:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
2. Cook the Torrejas:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each torreja. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange zest.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain out the cinnamon stick and cloves.
4.Serve:
- Arrange the torrejas on a platter and drizzle with warm syrup. Serve immediately.
Notes:
- Torrejas are particularly enjoyed during Salvadoran holidays, including Christmas and Easter.
- For extra flavor, consider sprinkling ground cinnamon on the torrejas before adding the syrup.
- Torrejas can be paired with fresh fruit, such as bananas or berries, for added freshness.
This classic Salvadoran dessert not only offers a taste of El Salvador's rich culinary heritage but also brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion.
Nutrition Value:
1. All-Purpose Flour
- Calories: 910 (for 2 cups)
- Carbohydrates: 190 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Minimal amounts of B vitamins (like niacin and riboflavin)
- Minerals: Iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides a source of carbohydrates for energy, essential for maintaining overall bodily functions.
2. Sugar
- Calories: 96 (for 2 tablespoons)
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Mainly provides energy through carbohydrates but lacks vitamins and minerals.
3. Baking Powder
- Calories: 6 (for 2 teaspoons)
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Acts as a leavening agent, helping to make the torrejas light and fluffy.
4. Salt
- Calories: 0 (for 1/2 teaspoon)
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1,150 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor; however, excessive intake can contribute to health issues such as high blood pressure.
5. Milk
- Calories: 150 (for 1 cup, whole milk)
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 98 mg
- Cholesterol: 31 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, riboflavin
- Minerals: Calcium, potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides protein for muscle health, calcium for bone strength, and essential vitamins.
6. Eggs
- Calories: 144 (for 2 large eggs)
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Cholesterol: 372 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12
- Minerals: Iron, phosphorus, selenium
- Nutritional Benefit: High-quality protein, essential fats, and vitamins crucial for various bodily functions.
7. Vanilla Extract
- Calories: 12 (for 1 teaspoon)
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Primarily adds flavor with minimal nutritional contribution.
8. Vegetable Oil
- Calories: 120 (for 1 tablespoon)
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides essential fats needed for energy and cooking.
9. Water
- Calories: 0 (for 2 cups)
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Hydrates the body and assists in the dissolution of other ingredients.
10. Brown Sugar
- Calories: 830 (for 1 cup)
- Carbohydrates: 215 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Minimal amounts of calcium and iron
- Minerals: Calcium, iron, potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds sweetness and some minerals but high in carbohydrates and calories.
11. Cinnamon Stick
- Calories: 6 (for 1 stick)
- Carbohydrates: 1.6 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0.02 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin K
- Minerals: Calcium, manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides antioxidant properties and a distinctive flavor with minimal calories.
12. Cloves
- Calories: 6 (for 2 whole cloves)
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin K
- Minerals: Calcium, manganese, magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Offers antioxidants and essential minerals, contributing to overall health.
13. Orange Zest
- Calories: 6 (for 1 teaspoon)
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C
- Minerals: Calcium, potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds a burst of citrus flavor and provides vitamin C for immune support.
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