2023-12-18 17:00:34
The secret to perfect Colombian fritters is to use a salty and hard cheese, like Costeño cheese. Discover how to prepare this traditional Christmas recipe.
Last update: December 18, 2023
Christmas is approaching and, at this time, one of the most anticipated delicacies arrives throughout the year in Colombia: buñuelos. These small balls of fried dough, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, instantly connect us with the Christmas spirit.
Next, we are going to show you how you can prepare some fritters to enjoy with your family and friends during these holidays. Additionally, we will explore why they are such an important part of Colombian gastronomic culture.
Origin and importance of buñuelos in Colombia
Although Colombian buñuelos can be prepared at any time of the year, it is more common for them to be consumed at Christmas and New Year’s Day. Their origin dates back many centuries: they emerged in the Middle East in the 12th century AD. C., to then move to Spain and, finally, enter the American continent during the Hispanization process.
In Colombia, costeño cheese fritters are a traditional recipe that has been around for hundreds of years. Historically, they have been associated with festivals. In fact, in 1856, the Colombian historian José Manuel Groot published an article in which he described how in Bogotá, during Christmas, it was almost obligatory to send fritters spread with Tierra Caliente cane honey to friends.
Starting in the 1930s, industrialization massified the sale of flour to prepare fritters and other products. Nowadays, They are a symbol of tradition and Christmas in this country.
Colombian fritters: what ingredients do you need
But how to make Colombian buñuelos? To prepare this recipe, you will need to get the following ingredients:
A pinch of salt 2 beaten eggs ¼ cup sugar 1 cup cornstarch 1 cup cassava flour ¼ cup warm milk 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 cups ground costeño or cotija cheese 2 teaspoons uncooked melted butter salt Necessary amount of canola oil or vegetable oil suitable for frying
How to make Colombian fritters
Once you gather all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to get to work making this Christmas recipe. Follow the instructions and, if you want to make the most traditional buñuelos recipe, try to respect the steps to obtain those round, perfect, golden balls that come to mind when we think of Colombian buñuelos. Let’s do it!
In a container, place the cornstarch, cassava starch and sugar. Mix gently with a ladle. Add the baking soda, salt, warm milk and the two beaten eggs. Continue mixing. Now, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients: the melted butter and the cheese. Mix until the dough is smooth. As soon as it acquires a homogeneous texture, it is time to start kneading balls with your hands. In a deep pot, heat the vegetable oil until it reaches 165°C. The perfect temperature is when, when you introduce a ball of dough, it stays at the bottom for a moment and then rises to the surface and floats. Carefully add the balls and lower the heat to medium heat. Fry them until they turn golden brown. It is important that you check them regularly to prevent them from burning. Carefully remove them from the oil and drain them on a plate lined with absorbent paper to remove any excess. Ready! Serve and enjoy some delicious traditional Colombian buñuelos with your family.
Tips for making the best Colombian buñuelos
These are some extra recommendations that you should take into account when cooking your fritters:
Fritters are salty, so the ideal cheese for this recipe is a salty, hard and dry cheese, such as grated costeño. If you use a different cheese, the fritters could be too sweet. If when you make the mixture you notice that it is very dry, add a little milk. If its texture is very wet (this can happen when the eggs used are very large), add more flour. You can choose what size to make the fritters, although it is best that they are not very large, as they will not cook well inside. In addition, it is important that all the balls are of a similar size so that cooking is even. The oil has to be heated to a high temperature at the beginning, but then lowered to medium heat so that the dough does not burn and so that the fritters do not burst. Leave enough space between each other when frying. With this you achieve homogeneous cooking and you can turn or move them while they are cooking. If you wish, you can get the commercial mix ready to prepare them in less time. In these cases, follow the instructions on the packaging. The crunchy texture of their outer layer is more accentuated when they are freshly made, so don’t wait too long before trying them.
A Colombian Christmas recipe par excellence
The coastal cheese fritters, which together with the corn custard are part of the Christmas pastries, are the stars of this festival in Colombia. This traditional recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, carrying the warmth and authenticity of the gastronomy of this country..
As you can see, its preparation is not complex at all if you follow the step by step. We encourage you to gather the necessary ingredients and get to work with these delicious bites to surprise your family and friends this season. Happy holidays and bon appetit!
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