Description
Torrejas, also known as Mexican French toast, are a delightful sweet treat traditionally served during Lent. Made from day-old bread soaked in a fluffy egg mixture and fried to golden perfection, these crispy and soft pieces are typically drizzled with miel de maguey or a sweet syrup alternative, making them a comforting and satisfying dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 day old French loaf (or 4 bolillos)
Egg Mixture
- 5 eggs
Frying
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Topping
- 2 cups miel de maguey (or use agave nectar, maple syrup, or cinnamon and sugar)
Instructions
- Slice the bread: Slice the bread into individual pieces and set them aside to prepare for soaking.
- Separate eggs: Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites carefully, placing them into separate bowls.
- Whisk egg whites: Whisk the egg whites vigorously until stiff peaks form, creating a fluffy texture.
- Combine egg yolks: Gently mix the egg yolks into the whipped egg whites, folding carefully to maintain the lightness.
- Heat oil: Pour 2 cups of vegetable oil into a large frying pan and heat over medium to medium-high heat until hot enough for frying.
- Coat bread in egg mixture: Dip each slice of bread thoroughly into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
- Fry the bread: Carefully place the coated bread slices into the hot oil. Fry for 2 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and fry for an additional 2 minutes on the other side.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried bread from the pan and place onto paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Keep warm: Place the fried slices into a shallow plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm while frying the remaining bread.
- Serve with topping: Once all slices are cooked, drizzle generously with miel de maguey or your preferred topping such as agave nectar, maple syrup, or a cinnamon sugar mixture, then enjoy.
Notes
- Miel de Maguey is a regional syrup used traditionally in Durango, Mexico and might be difficult to find in the US; good substitutes are agave nectar, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar mixture.
- If you do not have day-old bread, slice fresh bread and let it air out for a few hours to slightly dry for best results in soaking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
