Torrijas, also known as Spanish-style French toast, are a traditional Spanish dessert typically enjoyed during the Easter season. This delightful treat features slices of bread soaked in a mixture of milk, eggs, and spices, then coated in a crispy layer of fried egg batter. The result is a golden-brown, custardy bread that is both comforting and satisfying, with a hint of sweetness and a touch of anise flavor from the syrup. In this article, we present two variations of this classic recipe: a traditional version and a decadent version with a chocolate filling. Both recipes offer a unique take on this beloved dish, ensuring that everyone can find their perfect torrija experience.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
TORRIJAS: SPANISH STYLE FRENCH TOAST WITH CINNAMON AND HONEY
Torrijas are a delicious Spanish style French toast that is typical around Easter. Here's my favorite torrijas recipe!
Provided by Lauren Aloise
Categories Dessert
Time 1h5m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring the milk, ½ cup of sugar, lemon and orange peel, and spices (cardamom seeds and star anise) to a slow simmer.
- Cut the bread in thick slices.
- When the milk mixture has been simmering for about 15 minutes, turn off the heat and soak the slices of bread in this mixture. Be careful not to completely wet them to the point that they will break apart, but try to get them to absorb as much milk as possible.
- Let the slices of wet bread rest and cool (some liquid may be lost).
- Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl and dip the bread slices in the egg mixture. In the meantime, heat up about ½ an inch of the olive oil in a deep, heavy pan on medium-high heat.
- Fry the slices two by two, flipping them halfway so that both sides are nice and crisp.
- Let the torrijas rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil. In another bowl mix the remaining sugar (1/2 cup) with the cinnamon.
- Cover the slices in the cinnamon sugar mixture and reserve.
- Finally, make the syrup. Take the remaining cinnamon and sugar from coating the torrijas and add it to a medium-sized pot. Add a bit more sugar to completely cover the bottom of the pot if necessary.
- Add 2 cups of warm water to the sugar and bring it to a boil.
- Add the honey (you can add more or less depending on preference).
- Allow the syrup to simmer for about 30 minutes until it reduces to a syrup-like consistency. It won't be a very thick syrup, but it shouldn't be too watery.
- Take the syrup off of the heat and after about 15 minutes spoon it over the French toast. The torrijas should be completely soaked in syrup. Allow them to completely cool before putting them into the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate the torrijas for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.
- Enjoy within two or three days for best quality! (I doubt they'll last that long anyway!)
Nutrition Facts : Calories 223.06 kcal, Carbohydrate 33.25 g, Protein 10.14 g, Fat 5.69 g, SaturatedFat 2.62 g, TransFat 0.01 g, Cholesterol 75.47 mg, Sodium 273.54 mg, Fiber 1.28 g, Sugar 11.32 g, ServingSize 1 serving
VANILLA FRENCH TOAST
We discovered this easy French toast recipe in Mexico. We couldn't figure out what made the French toast so delicious until we learned the secret was vanilla. Since then, we've added a touch of vanilla to our waffle and pancake recipes, and it makes all the difference. -Joe and Bobbi Schott, Castroville, Texas
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 15m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the first 5 ingredients. Preheat a greased griddle over medium heat., Dip bread in egg mixture, allowing to soak 30 seconds on each side. Cook on griddle until golden brown on both sides. Serve with toppings as desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 218 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 127mg cholesterol, Sodium 376mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 10g protein. Diabetic exchanges
SPANISH FRENCH TOAST
There is French toast, and then there are torrijas, the Spanish version. The origins of both are undoubtedly the same: yet another way to make good use of bread that's no longer fresh. Though torrijas, like French toast, can be served at breakfast, they can also be a knockout dessert.
Provided by Mark Bittman
Categories breakfast, easy, quick, main course
Time 20m
Yield 2 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Pour olive oil to a depth of 1/2 inch in a broad, deep skillet over medium-high heat; bring it to a temperature of about 350 degrees. When ready, a small cube of bread dropped into oil will sink to bottom, then immediately rise to top.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the milk, salt and sugar in a broad bowl. In a separate bowl, beat eggs. When oil is ready, soak a piece of bread in milk, then dip in egg. Shake off excess liquid, then transfer to oil. Stand back, as it will spatter. Repeat with remaining bread.
- Cook about a minute on each side, turning carefully; bread should be very crisp on edges. When done, transfer to a plate, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and serve immediately, with honey or maple syrup if you like.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 582, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 86 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 17 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 464 milligrams, Sugar 68 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Use a stale baguette or other crusty bread for the best results.
- For a richer flavor, use a mixture of milk and cream in the egg mixture.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the egg mixture for extra flavor.
- Soak the bread slices in the egg mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Cook the bread slices in a hot skillet with butter until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve the French toast immediately with the anise syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries.
Conclusion:
Spanish-style French toast with anise syrup is an absolutely flavorful and luxurious dish that is easy to make yet very impressive. The use of stale bread, the milk and cream mixture, and the anise syrup all contribute to a truly unique and unforgettable breakfast or brunch. Whether you serve it with powdered sugar and fresh berries or your favorite toppings, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, next time you have some stale bread on hand, be sure to give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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