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Picarones

Peruvian fried pastry rings made from a pumpkin and squash dough, served with spiced chancaca syrup. These sweet treats are crispy outside and tender inside.

Total time
45 min
Servings
12
Calories
285
Protein
3g
Picarones
peruvianvegetariandessertfried pastrypumpkin

Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Boil butternut squash and sweet potato cubes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and mash until smooth.

  2. Step 2

    In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, anise seeds, and salt.

  3. Step 3

    Fold mashed squash mixture into dry ingredients until a stiff dough forms.

  4. Step 4

    In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8 minutes until syrupy. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Set aside.

  5. Step 5

    Heat oil to 350°F in a deep pot or fryer. Fit a pastry bag with a large star tip.

  6. Step 6

    Pipe 3-inch rings of dough directly into the hot oil in batches of 4-5. Fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

  7. Step 7

    Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still warm, dip into chancaca syrup and serve immediately.

Tools you’ll need

  • large pot
  • colander
  • whisk
  • large mixing bowl
  • pastry bag with large star tip
  • deep frying pot or deep fryer
  • candy/deep-fry thermometer
  • slotted spoon
  • paper towels
  • saucepan

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