Torrijas

Torrijas are a traditional Spanish treat, often enjoyed during Holy Week, but they can be a delightful dessert or breakfast option any time of the year. This recipe combines the richness of custard-soaked bread with the sweetness of a fragrant syrup, making it a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients

For the Bread

• 1 thick, stale French or Italian-style baguette

For the Syrup

• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• ¼ teaspoon anise extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract

For the Batter

• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups whole milk

For Cooking

• 4 tablespoons butter
• Flaky sea salt, for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Bread: Slice the baguette on the bias into 1” thick slices. Using stale bread helps it soak up the batter better without falling apart.
2. Make the Syrup:
   • Combine water, sugar, honey, orange zest, salt, and cinnamon sticks in a medium saucepan.
   • Bring to a boil for 1 minute, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 7-10 minutes until reduced into a thin syrup.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the anise and almond extracts.
3. Prepare the Batter:
   • Whisk together the eggs and milk in a shallow bowl.
   • Dip each bread slice into the batter, letting it soak for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to let the bread get too soggy.
4. Cook the Bread:
   • Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Fry the battered bread slices in batches for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
   • Repeat with the remaining bread, adding more butter as needed.
5. Soak in Syrup:
   • Place the fried bread slices on a slightly concave or rimmed serving platter.
   • Pour the syrup over the torrijas, ensuring they are fully covered.
   • Let them soak for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. Serve:
   • Torrijas are best served warm or at room temperature.
   • Garnish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a delightful contrast to the sweet syrup.

Tips for Perfect Torrijas

• Stale Bread: Using stale bread is crucial as it holds up better when soaked in the batter.
• Syrup Soak: Allowing the torrijas to soak in the syrup ensures they are infused with all the wonderful flavors.
• Serving: Torrijas can be enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Nutrition Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: Approx. 350 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

Enjoy this sweet Spanish delight and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!