Introduction
Picarones are a beloved dessert in Peru, often enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert. Made from a combination of sweet potato and pumpkin, this unique doughnut has a light and fluffy texture. The dough is shaped into rings and deep-fried until golden brown, then served drizzled with a sweet syrup made from chancaca (a type of raw sugar) and spices. Picarones are a traditional treat that reflects the rich culinary heritage of Peru, often enjoyed at fairs, street vendors, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweet potato, cooked and mashed
- 1 cup pumpkin, cooked and mashed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Water (as needed for dough)
- Oil for frying
- 1 cup chancaca or brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange or lime (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, mashed pumpkin, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in a little warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. Add the yeast mixture to the sweet potato mixture.
- Gradually mix in the flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using), and knead until a smooth, slightly sticky dough forms. If needed, add a little water to achieve the right consistency. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
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Make the Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine the chancaca (or brown sugar), water, cinnamon stick, cloves (if using), and citrus zest (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
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Fry the Picarones:
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the dough has risen, use your hands to form small balls, then shape them into rings. Carefully drop the rings into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
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Serve:
- Drizzle the warm picarones with the prepared syrup before serving. Enjoy them hot for the best flavor and texture.
Health Notes
- Picarones are a sweet treat that can be enjoyed in moderation. They are made with natural ingredients, but the frying and syrup add calories and sugar. Consider enjoying them as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular dessert.
How to Enjoy
- Picarones are best enjoyed fresh and warm, making them perfect for a cozy dessert or as a sweet snack throughout the day. They pair wonderfully with coffee or hot chocolate.
Tips
- Cooking the Vegetables: When cooking sweet potatoes and pumpkin, steam or bake them instead of boiling to retain more flavor and nutrients.
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Avoid adding too much flour; you can use a little oil on your hands to shape the picarones if they are too sticky.
- Frying Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the correct frying temperature. If the oil is too hot, the picarones will burn on the outside while remaining uncooked inside; if too cool, they will absorb too much oil.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with the spices in the dough or the syrup to create unique flavor combinations. Adding a bit of vanilla extract can enhance the sweetness.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with additional fruit preserves or a scoop of ice cream for a delicious twist on this traditional treat.
