Bolivian Buñuelos are spongy fritters or donuts served with molasses.
Welcome to the last Friday of August.
This month we celebrate the independence of Bolivia, my country of origin, and I have been sharing with you some of the food that you can find in the streets of Bolivia.
We have talked about Bolivian cuisine, about asaditos (hamburgers), p’esque (a dish made with quinoa), chicken empanadas and today we are finishing up with something sweet, buñuelos.
Buñuelos are found in several countries in South America. Our recipes are very similar. It is a dough made with flour, egg, water or milk, which is deep-fried.
Many of these fritters or donuts are served with molasses or a syrup made with panela/jaggery.
Bolivian Buñuelos
In Bolivia, buñuelos are served with a drink called api. Api is a drink made with purple corn, flavored with cinnamon and lemon.
Api is usually served hot, and the adventure of drinking it is to try not to burn the roof of your mouth 🤭
Bolivian buñuelos can be made with dry or fresh yeast, as well as baking powder.
The dough is flavored with anise seeds. You can heat the water and let the anise rest, and then strain it. Or you can simply add it together with the flour.
Yeast Dough for Buñuelos
Buñuelo dough tends to be sticky.
You'll need to get your hands wet, take out some dough and stretch it. The form that is usually given is a very thin circle, with some holes to make sure it cooks all the way through.
In other places, you can find them looking like donuts, and that's how I made them for today.
How to Serve Buñuelos
If you have molasses, pour a good amount before serving.
If you have panela or jaggery, cut some pieces and cook it with water and make a syrup.
Buñuelos are found on the streets during the day. They can be eaten for breakfast, snack or dessert.
I hope you've enjoyed reading different Bolivian recipes this month. Which one will you try first?
If you liked the recipe above, please consider rating the recipe and leaving a comment below! and share your picture on Instagram with the hashtag #chipabythedozen
Buñuelos (Bolivian Donuts)
Ingredients
- Dough:
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/2 teaspoon anise seed
- 2-1/4 cups flour (288g)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried yeast
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
- Syrup:
- 100 grams panela/jaggery (3.5 ounces)
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- In a glass, add boiling water and anise seeds. Let stand for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, and yeast. Strain the anise seeds and add the water to the flour.
- Add the eggs and mix with a wooden ladle. The dough is going to be sticky. Let stand for 30 minutes.
- In a medium skillet, heat the oil over low heat.
- Get your hands wet and remove a piece of dough (about the size of a golf ball), with your thumb, make a hole in the middle and stretch the dough to form a ring.
- Place the ring in the oil and fry for 1 minute each side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- For the syrup, in a small saucepan over medium heat add the water and the panela, let it cook for 5 minutes. Cool.
- Serve buñuelos with panela syrup or molasses.
Notes
Nutrition
Criolla
We also have buñuelos on Christmas day with hot chocolate ,plus Pannetone.
Is repeated on Kings Day ,January 6.
The sugar cane syrup can be bought on line from Peruvian stores.
Your recipe is very easy. Thanks.
Lizet
I'm glad you liked the recipe! mmm. I so want panettone this Christmas.
stephanie
Such an amazing dessert! Thank you for the recipe.
Lizet
I'm glad you liked it!
Ashley
We have a local doughnut shop that hand forms each one -- this recipe looks so good, can't wait to try it!
Lizet
Oh! that sounds amazing! and a lot of work if you are making that many to sell.
I hope you like the recipe!
Beth
These are so delicious! I was a bit put off by how wet the dough was, but they turned out perfectly, thanks to your thorough instructions! Thanks!
Lizet
I'm glad it turned out well! even with a different kind of dough. 🙂
Kushigalu
Fantastic recipe. Looks so delicious. Something new to me.
Lizet
I hope you give it a try 🙂
Marie-Charlotte Chatelain
Donuts of the world - it's amazing how each country has a different style! I love how whimsical they look and that syrup sounds yummy!
Lizet
Yes, every country has a delicious fried dough. I hope you give it a try.
Kathryn
Love all of the Bolivian recipes you've posted, but this one is by far my favorite. These donuts look ooey gooey and perfect!
Alexandra
Such a delicious sweet treat - what a fantastic recipe!
Lizet
Thanks Alexandra!
Anonymous
This are not donuts. There is no such a thing about Bolivian
Donuts
Isabelle @ Crumb
I've yet to meet a donut I didn't love, and this is definitely not an exception to this rule. These look amazing... the drizzle of sweet syrup sounds like the perfect finish!
Lizet
I know! Donuts are always delicious 😋
Jamie
These look so delicious! They would make the perfect breakfast with a hot cup of tea!
Rosa
Wow this looks delicious, drooling over here. Can’t wait to try.
Lizet
I hope you like them!