Fried Milk (Leche Frita)

Let’s make a classic Spanish dessert, Leche Frita!

This delicious and simple dessert is a popular treat in Spain. It’s believed to have originated in medieval monasteries as a way to use up leftover milk.

Ingredients:

  • 500 ml milk
  • 4 eggs
  • 50g all-purpose flour
  • 50g cornstarch
  • 100g sugar
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 50g unsalted butter

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the milk mixture: Heat half of the milk with the lemon zest. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar. Combine the flour and cornstarch and whisk into the remaining milk. Gradually whisk the egg mixture into the flour mixture.
  2. Combine: Strain the heated milk to remove the lemon zest. Gradually whisk the hot milk into the egg-flour mixture, constantly stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes a custard-like consistency.
  3. Set: Grease a flat dish with butter. Pour the custard into the dish and spread it into a thin layer. Allow it to set at room temperature for 3-4 hours, then refrigerate overnight.
  4. Fry: Cut the set custard into squares. Coat each square in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat in flour again. Fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Enjoy your Leche Frita!