A unique fried bread appetizer featuring salty cotija cheese, spicy serrano chile, rich chestnut butter, and fragrant pine thistle honey, inspired by Tia’s Menu, offering a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and spicy.
Tia's Pan Frito: Spicy-Sweet Bite
A unique fried bread appetizer featuring salty cotija cheese, spicy serrano chile, rich chestnut butter, and fragrant pine thistle honey, inspired by Tia's Menu, offering a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and spicy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 tablespoon sugar
- 0.5 cup milk warm
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil plus extra for frying
- 0.25 cup cotija cheese crumbled
- 1 medium serrano chile thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chestnut butter softened (or regular butter mixed with a tiny bit of chestnut puree)
- 1 tablespoon pine thistle honey or other floral honey
- 1 pinch sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar for the dough.
- Gradually add warm milk and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
- While the dough rests, prepare the toppings: crumble the cotija cheese, thinly slice the serrano chile, and ensure chestnut butter is at room temperature.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Divide the dough into 8-10 small pieces. Gently flatten each piece into an oval or round shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Carefully place 2-3 pieces of dough into the hot oil (do not overcrowd the pan). Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove fried pan frito with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Immediately spread each warm pan frito with a small amount of chestnut butter.
- Garnish with crumbled cotija cheese, a few slices of serrano chile, and a drizzle of pine thistle honey. A tiny pinch of sea salt can be added for extra flavor balance.
- Serve warm and enjoy Tia's unique flavor combination.
Notes
For a simpler version, use regular unsalted butter and a good quality local honey. Adjust serrano chile to your spice preference. Serve immediately for best texture. You can also experiment with different mild cheeses if cotija is unavailable.
