Picarones
Picarones are a popular Peruvian dessert that's similar to a doughnut. Made from sweet potato and squash dough, they're deep-fried and served with a spiced syrup.
Ingredients - Serves 6
- Cloves - 4
- Cinnamon stick - 1
- Orange peel - 1 piece
- Brown sugar - 1 cup
- Vegetable oil - For frying
- Anise seeds - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour - 2 cups
- Warm water - 1/4 cup
- Sugar - 1 tablespoon
- Active dry yeast - 1 tablespoon
- Butternut squash - 1 cup, cooked and mashed
- Sweet potato - 1 cup, cooked and mashed
Let's Get Started
- Combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, mashed butternut squash, flour, salt, and anise seeds. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours.
- While the dough is rising, make the syrup. Combine the brown sugar, orange peel, cinnamon stick, cloves, and 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Strain the syrup and set it aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.
- Wet your hands and take a piece of dough, form it into a ring shape and drop it into the hot oil. Fry the picarones until they are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Drain the picarones on paper towels and serve warm with the spiced syrup.
Dietary Info
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Sugar: 15g
