Tortas fritas argentinas - Argentinian fried cakes

These traditional Argentinian tortas fritas are delicious and are the perfect companion to mate. You can eat them savoury, or if preferred sweet, garnished with granulated sugar. This recipe makes 10 tortas fritas.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

In a small bowl dissolve the salt in the warm water and put it to the side.

Step 2

Sieve the flour into a bowl, add the baking powder, and mix well.

Step 3

Melt the beef dripping (or lard) in the microwave

Step 4

Make a well in the middle of the flour, add 1/2 of the water, then add the beef dripping and then the rest of the water. This should cool down the beef dripping to a workable temperature.

Step 5

Using your fingers, mix the flour with the beef dripping and water, softly kneading it until you end up with a dough. Drop the dough on the working surface and knead it for 3-5 minutes.

Step 6

Wrap the dough in clingfilm and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (ideally overnight).

Step 7

Unwrap the dough, roll it to a sausage shape and cut it in 10 equal pieces (about 50g each), make balls and cover them with a tea towel.

Step 8

Heat oil in a small frying pan at medium high heat. You should have about 2cm of oil in the pan.

Step 9

Put one of the dough balls on a working surface, flatten it with your hand and, using a rolling pin, roll it to form a disc of about 5mm thickness. Poke a hole in the middle with your finger.

Step 10

Carefully put in the hot oil and flip it regularly every few seconds until evenly golden. Take it out with a slotted spoon to drain excess oil and put it on a paper towel to dry further. If garnishing with sugar (optional) sprinkle some sugar on it at this stage.

Step 11

Repeat the last 2 steps with all the doughballs, Enjoy!