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Leche Frita

Delicious Leche Frita: A Comforting Spanish Dessert Experience

Enjoy Leche Frita, a delightful Spanish dessert with creamy texture and crispy exterior, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Spanish
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Creamy Base
  • 4.5 cups whole milk can be substituted with lactose-free milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar or use powdered sugar for a finer coating
  • 1 piece cinnamon stick for warm flavor infusion
  • 1 piece lemon peel avoid bitter white pith
  • 1 piece orange peel
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch for gluten-free option
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour optional for gluten-free versions
For the Coating and Frying
  • to taste sunflower oil for frying
  • 2 medium eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour for coating
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar for coating mix
  • 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Whisk
  • fine-mesh sieve
  • Baking dish
  • Skillet
  • sharp knife
  • paper towels

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Leche Frita
  1. In a large pot, combine 4 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of granulated sugar, the cinnamon stick, the lemon peel, and the orange peel. Heat until it just begins to boil, then remove from heat and let sit for about 15 minutes.
  2. Whisk together the cornstarch and flour in a separate bowl, then gradually add the remaining 0.5 cup of milk. Mix until completely smooth.
  3. Strain the infused milk through a fine mesh sieve, return the liquid to the pot, and heat over low heat. Slowly incorporate the cornstarch-flour mixture, stirring constantly. Cook for about 6-7 minutes until it thickens.
  4. Pour the creamy mixture into a parchment-lined baking dish, smooth the top, and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours until firm.
  5. Transfer the solidified mixture to a cutting board and cut into square pieces. Set up a coating station with beaten eggs and a flour-sugar-cinnamon mix.
  6. Heat sunflower oil in a skillet over medium heat to around 350°F. Test readiness with a wooden spoon.
  7. Dip each piece into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs. Fry in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  8. Transfer fried pieces onto paper towels and coat immediately in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Keep some parchment paper handy to line the baking dish and absorb excess oil while frying.

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