Chilean-Style Sopaipillas

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil 2 cup
• Salt 1 tsp
• Plain flour 5 cup
• Butter 10 tbsp
• Baking powder 1 tsp
• Zapallo squash 9 oz

Method

1. Peel, seed, and cut zapallo into chunks.
2. Place in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook until zapallo is soft and easily pierced with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
5. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt together in a mixing bowl, and set aside.
6. Stir together squash and melted butter.
7. Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until blended.
8. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until soft and satiny, adding a little more flour if necessary.
9. Cover dough with a towel and allow to rest 15 minutes.
10. Roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thick, and cut into 3-inch diameter circles.
11. Poke each circle a few times with a fork to make holes and prevent rising.
12. Pour oil into a large, deep skillet and heat over medium-high heat until hot, 385 degrees F (195 degrees C).
13. Place several of the dough circles into hot oil; cook until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
14. Drain on paper towels.
15. Cook remainder of dough circles in batches.