Teresa's Recipes
Torrijas
Savor the exquisite flavors of Torrijas, a cherished Spanish dessert that transforms humble bread into a festive delicacy. Traditionally enjoyed during Holy Week, these delightful treats are reminiscent of French toast but are elevated by a fragrant infusion of milk, sugar, and spices. Each slice of bread is lovingly soaked, dipped in egg, and fried to a golden crisp, before being rolled in a luscious sugar and cinnamon mixture. With each bite, you experience the sweet warmth of tradition and the rich culinary heritage of Spain, making Torrijas a must-try indulgence any time of year.
Ingredients
- for frying Vegetable oil
- 4, beaten Eggs
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon, plus additional for coating Cinnamon
- 1/2 cup, plus additional for coating Granulated sugar
- 2 cups Milk
- 8 slices, preferably stale or day-old (French or brioche works well) Bread
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Sugar: 20g
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and lemon zest. Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Place the slices of bread in a shallow dish and pour the warm milk mixture over them. Let the bread soak for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even absorption.
- In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs until well mixed.
- In a frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil over medium heat to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, dip each soaked bread slice into the beaten eggs, ensuring both sides are well coated.
- Fry the bread slices in hot oil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Remove the torrijas from the pan and let them drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together additional sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
- While still warm, coat each torrija in the sugar-cinnamon mixture, ensuring they are well covered.
- Serve the torrijas warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider infusing the milk with a vanilla bean or a splash of orange juice.
- Using day-old bread ensures the torrijas soak up the milk mixture without falling apart.
- Experiment with different types of bread for a unique twist on the classic recipe.