pati jinich bunuelos recipe

cinnamonpiloncillocookies

Buñuelos: High Maintenance, But So Worth It!

When I was about 10 years old, my parents developed a habit of traveling during the December holidays without my sisters and I. Don’t ask me why they thought it was a good idea. It was an awful, terrible, horrible idea.

The sweet highlight was that our babysitter Sari, whom we call Nana Tochito and who came from the mountainous regions of Oaxaca, prepared a full blown Christmas style meal to spoil and help us celebrate the holidays. No, we didn’t have the tree like our friends in school. But, thanks to my Nana we couldn’t care less. We exchanged gifts, ate lots of gelt, had the traditional big roasted turkey, drank ponche, and what we loved the most, ate buñuelos.

Mostly found around Christmas and New Year’s, buñuelos speak of nothing but celebration. And truly, what one has to celebrate is being lucky enough to find buñuelos at markets, fairs and street stands or having the time, patience and a reliable recipe to make them at home.

Buñuelos may be one of the most high maintenance treats one can make: but to cut to the chase, they are completely worth it.

Now with that said, you can skip to the end where I give you my most reliable recipe or read a bit more about why I – and everyone in Mexico- love them so, including their demanding and time consuming nature…

Pati Jinich bunuelos

They are immense with a stunning deep caramel color. Light, thin, crisp yet sturdy. It is a mystery why they don’t break piled high in the stalls or baskets where they wait to be sold, defying gravity and their own weight.

They are irresistible, especially drenched in sweet piloncillo syrup and eaten bite by bite in their entirety or broken into large pieces. Once in your mouth, they feel crunchy and delicate, with a combination of mellow yet distinct flavors. So one large buñuelo is usually just the way to get started…

bunuelos ingredients

Though the most popular version of the buñuelo is this large, extended and thin one so common in Oaxaca – others being tubed, twisted or with pinwheel looking shapes- there are many spins as to what goes in its dough.

I like to make it with flour, butter -rather than lard or vegetable shortening-, eggs, fresh squeezed orange juice, a bit of sugar and a pinch of salt.

Some old recipes call for Tequesquite– saltpeter- water or water made from simmering tomatillo husks to help ferment the dough and help it have volume, and make it fluffier and crisper as it fries. Since both ingredients sound hard to come by, you may shy away from making them. But don’t! These days most cooks don’t use either, as one can get the same effect from using baking powder and good dough kneading.

pati jinich bunuelos ingredients

If you look closely behind the oranges, you will also find anise liquor, and in my photo Sambuca. If you can’t find it, you can use orange liquor. You can skip the liquor altogether, but it does give it a nice ethereal quality.

So no, this is not just a plain flour dough…

bunuelos dough

After the ingredients are mixed, the demanding part of making buñuelos begins. The dough needs to be kneaded for a long, long, time.

It starts looking like the photo above, but it really needs to end up looking like the photo below. Smooth, homogeneous and elastic.

bunuelos dough kneaded

Because we live in the 21st and not the 19th century, you can choose to knead it by hand for a half hour or just drop all the ingredients in the mixer, and let the mixer do its thing for 10 minutes.

resting bunuelos dough

Then, after that whole lot of massaging in the mixer, the dough calls for a bit of rest.

It really does. If you don’t let it unwind in a greased bowl for at least 20 to 30 minutes, preferably covered with a clean cloth, the dough will not be malleable and easy to work with.

It will be sticky, capricious and unmanageable.

bunuelos dough after rising

But after the rest, it is delightful to work with it. Look at it above, it is fluffy and soft.

Divide the dough into 12 to 15 balls. You can keep them covered if you want as you work through them.

bunuelos dough balls

One by one, with a floured surface and a floured rolling pin, roll the balls out into about 4″ to 6″ disks. It may seem as if when you are rolling them, the dough wants to get back together into a ball. Just gently and softly, roll out, flip and roll out again. Take your time and add more flour if needed.

bunuelos dough flattened

Then you give it a second go. Starting with the first disks you rolled out, flour the surface and try to make them as thin as possible. As thin as paper is the best.

bunuelos dough rolled

Here, below I am showing you how thin, can you see my face behind the thin buñuelo? There are many methods to get them as thin as paper. I opt for rolling them in two rounds. Many cooks in Mexico used to stretch them out with clean cloths on their knees; hence the name buñuelos “de rodilla.” But some cooks stretch them out in upside down bowls covered in cloth.

stretching bunuelos dough

Manuel and his sister Rosa, who have been part of my cooking team for almost 4 years now stretch them out by hand on the second round. For the last event at the Mexican Cultural Institute this year, I asked Manual to show us all. He is a master at it!

Mexican Cultural Institute class

We made 120 buñuelos the night before the class. Though the Director of the Institute thought we were nuts making them for so many people, we couldn’t think of an event themed Holiday Foods without them. Just like there had to be a Piñata -the ones we found had dinosaurs on them!- there had to be buñuelos.

pinata

After the buñuelos are stretched or rolled out as thin as they can be, they need to “air” and dry anywhere from a half hour to a couple of hours. You can’t leave them over night or the will dry too much and crumble when you hold them. They are demanding, see?

Finally, they go quickly deep fried in a generous batch of festive hot oil.

The moment you lay each buñuelo in the oil, they float and bubble. If the oil is very hot, as it should, there will be happy active bubbles all over the place crisping the fritter without it absorbing the oil.

fried bunuelo

And as charming as those buñuelos are, they need charming company too.The tastiest syrup is made with piloncillo simmered with a bit of water and cinnamon until it is nice and thick.

syrup ingredients

I think it is gorgeous looking.

bunuelos syrup

Here we go… pouring it on top.

pouring syrup on bunuelos

And it really calls for a lot more…

finished bunuelos
So much for 5 minute meals and 3 ingredient recipes. Some foods are worth the hassle. Especially around the holidays, when we have that extra bit of time, and we want to spoil the people we love.

I think this is the most time consuming post I have written in my blog so far, just as time consuming as making the buñuelos. But, if you ask me, it was worth it!

Buñuelos

Recipe Yield

12 to 15 buñuelos, and about 1 1/2 cups syrup

Cooking time

1 hour 50 minutes

Rate this recipe

5 from 6 votes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon anise or orange liquor
  • 3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, vegetable shortening or lard, plus more for buttering the bowl
  • 1 pound piloncillo chopped or shredded about 2 cups packed, or dark brown sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 true or ceylon cinnamon stick
  • Vegetable oil for frying

To Prepare

To make the piloncillo syrup:

  • In a medium sauce pan add the piloncillo, and pour the boiling water over along with the cinnamon. If the piloncillo is not chopped or shredded, let it come undone for a few minutes under the hot water. Bring to a simmer and cook over medium heat until it achieves a syrupy consistency, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat. Remove the cinnamon, if it broke into pieces, strain the syrup into a container.

To make the buñuelos:

  • In the bowl of a mixer set with the hook attachment, add the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make room in the middle and add the egg, anise liquor and orange juice. Begin beating, at low speed, for a couple minutes. Add the butter and continue beating for another 10 to 12 minutes. The dough should be very smooth and elastic.
  • Butter a large mixing bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let the dough rest for anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Divide the dough into 12 to 15 balls, of about 1½ inches, and place them in a baking sheet. Cover with a kitchen towel.
  • Sprinkle your countertop and a rolling pin with flour. One by one, roll each ball into rounds of about 4 to 6 inches wide. Place each circle on top of a table or countertop. Beginning with the ones you rolled out first, continue rolling them, making sure that before each one the countertop is dusted with flour as well as the rolling pin. Roll each one as thin as you can go, without them tearing. Traditionally, cooks stretch them out with their hands as if it were pizza dough, and sometimes using bowls covered with towels and gently stretching them out. I find it is easier to continue with the rolling pin!
  • Place each finished piece on the table or countertop and move on with the rest. Let all of the pieces "air" and dry for at least 30 minutes. They should be as thin as paper (or construction paper!), and feel dry to the touch.
  • In a deep and large 12-inch skillet, heat enough oil to ½ inch over medium-high heat. Once the oil is very hot but not smoking, fry one buñuelo at a time. They will start bubbling up. Fry for about 20 seconds per side, until browned, then slip to the other side with a pair of tongs until it has browned and crisped on the other side. Transfer to a plate or baking sheet covered with paper towels.
  • When ready to serve, you may sprinkle them with sugar and ground cinnamon or powdered sugar, or drizzle with honey or the piloncillo syrup included in this recipe.

Comments

122comments inBuñuelos: High Maintenance, But So Worth It!

  1. Sandy Dalton gran-d3@hotmail.com

    Dec 24

    Pati, so love your shows! We’ve been spending a lot of time in Mexico for the last 10+yrs and recently moved to San Carlos from Bahia Kino in Sonora, but we’ve traveled to Isla Mijeres and the surrounding areas often and will tour Oaxaca in October. We look for new experiences to try and found one last night with a cruise watching the lighted boat parade along the San Carlos coast where we were treated to a Mexican holiday treat, called Pastel de Atun. I did find a recipe for it, and I’ll be trying it very soon. The Sangria the tour served was also the best I’ve had and I’ll be tracking that down after the holidays. I just wanted to let you know how much my husband and I have enjoyed your “Table” shows, both on Tastemade and PBS. All of your info and enthusiasm you share for Mexican foods and experiences have encouraged us to continue to look for new tastes! Oaxaca here we come!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 14

      Thanks so much for sharing Sandy! I hope you guys had a great time in Oaxaca 😉

  2. Anonymous

    Dec 19

    Hi Patti

    I would make the bunuelos.

    Like to wish you and your family Merry Christmas.

    I love you and love you’d cooking so mucho.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Dec 20

      Thanks so much and the same to you and yours!

  3. Rebecca

    Dec 16

    I’m trying my hand at them this year since my mom passed in February. The recipe that has been in our family for generations calls for orange soda. It makes the buñelos super light and crispy. It also uses cinnamon instead of piloncillo. This is what I love about our culture. Each region is deliciously unique! Feliz Navidad to you and your family Pati!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 07

      Thanks so much for sharing your recipe Rebecca, un abrazo!

  4. Etel Ghoreishi

    Dec 16

    How I miss those cold winter days when I would be playing outside with a snotty nose and seeing the steamed windows of my grandmother’s kitchen. It meant something delicious was brewing! Getting away from the cold, I would run inside her kitchen. I would stand by the door with my hands to my back holding on to the doorknob, waiting for the nod. Either I was welcomed with a positive nod, or simply told: “¡Vayase, no esté estorbando!” My mom (Vira) and grandma Nina (Regina) made buñuelos every Christmas. They would spend hours and hours gently stretching the dough over a clean dish towel on the knee. Always ever so careful not to tear the dough. They had to be perfect and thin as paper. The edges had to be quite thin as well. These crispy delicacies were highlighted with only sugar and cinnamon. No syrup. Perhaps it’s a regional thing. I’m from Chihuahua. Buñuelos are delicious with or without syrup. All I can say is I have the sweetest and beautiful memory of seeing stacks and stacks of crispy buñuelos on platters ready to be enjoyed with either a hot cup of coffee, ponche caliente, chocolate La Abuelita, champurrado, or just by itself! Buñuelos are famous for taking time to make so licking your fingers to get the last crumb coated with cinnamon and sugar is not offensive.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 07

      I feel you Etel! Thanks so much for sharing your sweet memories of bunuelos 😉

  5. Irene Patino

    Dec 15

    Have you ever used boiled Tomatios water for liquid? My grandma taught us to make the Masa with Tomatios

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 07

      Wow, that sounds like a good tip, gracias Irene!

  6. LUCIA GARCIA

    Dec 10

    THANK YU SO MUCH FOR WRITING OR HAVING THIS RECIPE IT COMES VERY HANDY, I HAVE DECIDED TO MAKE BUNELOS FOR CHRISTMAS, N I HAVE SEEN YUR COOKING SHOW ON TV, AND LUV IT. BUT HAD NEVER TRIED TO COOK NOTHING, BUT HOPING TO GOD I WILL TRY THIS, N THANK YU FOR HAVING THAT GREAT SHOW, YUR ONE OF A KIND, YUR GREAT. MERRY CHRISTMAS N A HAPPY NEW YEAR, TO YU N YUR FAM. WISH YU LOTS OF BLESSINGS.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 02

      And the same to you and your family Lucia, gracias!

  7. L. Diaz

    May 18

    Hi Pati,

    We make the bunuelos very similar but at the end we sprinkle sugar and cinnamon. No syrup, very delicious!

    1. Pati Jinich

      May 18

      Sugar and cinnamon work for me as well 😉

  8. Pat G

    Jan 02

    Very different recipe, but delish. Love the piloncillo so much more than the cinnamon and sugar. You could make different variations of flavor, like add the orange liquor or even add a star anise to the water.
    A bit time consuming but worth the time.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 02

      Glad you liked it Pat 🙂

      1. Anonymous

        Jan 09

        good for gringos!

  9. Marbella

    Jan 01

    Pati, thank you for the recipe. I enjoyed making Bunuelos with my three young teenage daughters on New Year’s Eve while we listened to “Las Jilguerias.” It was a time of bonding, remembering my late father, reinforcing beautiful traditions, and enjoying a delicious Mexican treat. Happy New Year.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 06

      This is what it is all about, right Marbella? Happy New Year to you and your girls, abrazos a todas!

  10. Martha Zamora

    Dec 21

    Is it possible to use anise seed instead of anise liquor?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 06

      You can add seeds, but also use the same amount of water as anise liquor to ensure the dough has the consistency it needs, Martha.

  11. Victoria Bee

    Nov 28

    Gracias Pati, I look forward to making these with my mom this Christmas and how to do them myself when I have my own children. You and your family have a wonderful day 🙂

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 29

      Have a great time making these with your mom, Victoria!

  12. Perla M Perez

    Nov 27

    I love..love!!! That you have this recipe!! My Mother would make these, just as you describe them in your recipe!!! I never found a recipe this close to the way my Mother made them!!! Thank you so much!!! I adore everything you make, it truly takes me back to my childhood in the kitchen listening to my Mother talking about her family and food they cooked.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 29

      I hope these bring back many great memories, Perla.

  13. Kaleigh

    Jan 28

    Pati!
    Till this day my grandma makes her bunuelos with the tomatillo water, and usually for new years. This is great to see the whole recipe posted. I will forever be greatful!

    1. Pati

      Jan 28

      Oh I hope they bring back more wonderful memories, Kaleigh.

  14. Olivia Renteria Halvorsen

    Dec 19

    Delicioso! Reminded me of my Mom’s. Gracias.

    1. Pati

      Dec 20

      Yay! Enjoy them, Olivia.

  15. Giezell Torres

    Dec 18

    Thank you chef Pati. I will be making them for my Christmas party I’m hosting for 9 of my grandchildren along with hot cocoa and other scrumptious treats.
    I can’t wait I ordered a jumper and bought a piñata. It’s going to be so much fun.

    1. Pati

      Dec 18

      Oh have a super fun party, Giezell! And say hi to all of your grandkids for me.

  16. Anonymous

    Dec 18

    So good Patti you are the best🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

    1. Pati

      Dec 18

      Aww thank you!

  17. Joann

    Oct 02

    This is not a traditional recipe for Buñuelos, a Mexican who depends on his recipes in Mexico will never share their recipes.

    1. Pati

      Oct 19

      Thank you for the comment Joann.

  18. Olga

    Jan 07

    Saludos from Chicago southwest suburb, I am from Oaxaca & my family absolutely loved the bunelos! Thanks for the easy to follow instructions! For my son’s quince on the tenth I will be making molotes Oaxaquenos.

    1. Pati

      Jan 08

      Oh I’m so glad to hear that! I hope your son has a fantastic quince!!!

  19. Sharon Rendon-Hoyt

    Jan 01

    My first time making these since my familia is in Texas and they were great!
    I don’t have a mixer but my food processor did the trick. I had my mom send me
    some piloncillo for the syrup and they were perfect! I will definitely keep making these!
    Thank you!

    1. Pati

      Jan 02

      So happy to hear this!

  20. jaime medrano

    Dec 24

    it worked wonderfully.
    soooo delicious and crunchy
    thank you pati

    1. Pati

      Dec 26

      Thank YOU Jaime!

  21. Rachel Aguilera

    Dec 16

    I love these. I guess I’ll have to keep buying as I don’t have a stand mixer any more and can’t afford to buy another one. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.

    1. Pati

      Dec 21

      You can also knead them by hand!

  22. Claudia Luna-Armendariz

    Dec 16

    I am a 1st generation American who was raised in a very tradtional Mexican home and I truly enjoy cooking! Watching your show and following you on Instagram has given me the encouragement I needed to try and make some traditional Mexican dishes that quite honestly intimated me. Thanks for sharing this recipe! I’m going to make your buñuelos tomorrow!
    Me encanta tu show!!!

    1. Pati

      Dec 18

      Thank you Claudia. This made my day!

  23. Anna Arballo Aguirre

    Dec 15

    My aunt uses anise and she would mash it in a molcahette until very fine, powdery and add it to the flour and then roll out. It is very delicious.

    1. Pati

      Dec 18

      That sounds delicious!

  24. Jeff and Lisa

    Dec 15

    We live in southern Jalisco. It certainly is bunuelo time. Here they are sold topped with sweet and condensed milk. So, so sticky but so good !!!!

    1. Pati

      Dec 18

      Sooo good!

  25. Anonymous

    Dec 15

    Paty tienes tu programa todavia en pbs o en donde sales y a que hora y tu sacaste unos tacos con una carne marinada en jamaica la infusio podrias poner la receta

  26. David abeyta

    Jun 15

    My grandfather’s Bunuelos would be thick like indian fried bread

    1. Pati

      Jun 16

      The thin ones are very common in Oaxaca.

  27. David abeyta

    Jun 15

    Pati, I do not know why but my grandfather would make a finger size hole in the center of the Bunuelos

    1. Crystal Oconnor

      Jul 25

      It helps it to cook evenly. If you don’t put a hole in the middle the dough puffs up in the center.

  28. Nico

    Mar 21

    I like your show. I am also learning Spanish so I try to figure out the what you say when you speak Spanish.kinda like a game.

    1. Pati

      Mar 23

      Nico that is so fantastic that you are learning Spanish! Buena suerte.

  29. Ruth

    Jan 06

    I found this recipe right at New Years of course. My mouth was watering. My mother in law makes them every year. Tonight my husband and I are making them together. They are so delicious and wonderful. I love your recipes. They are awesome. I am a gringa and this is a great cultural bonding experience to share with my husband. I also love your salsa verde. So does my daughter. I can’t keep it around long enough to enjoy.

    1. Pati

      Jan 14

      Hahaha! We have the same issue with our salsa verde, Ruth. Can’t seem to make enough. I hope your buñuelo making experience turned out great… they can be a bit high maintenance but are so tasty. Thanks so much for your message and say hi to your husband and your daughter for me.

  30. Ruth

    Jan 06

    I found this recipe right at New Years of course. My mouth was watering. My mother in law makes them every year. Tonight my husband and I are making them together. They are so delicious and wonderful. I love your recipes. They are awesome. I am a gringa and this is a great cultural bonding experience to share with my husband. I also love your salsa verde. So does my daughter. I can’t keep it around long enough to enjoy.

  31. Yen

    Jan 08

    Hi! I would like to try this recipe; it would be my first time making bunuelos. I would like to know if you ever weight the little dough balls and if so, how much should they weight?

    1. Pati

      Jan 30

      I don’t! You start making them and see what size you like them and go from there…

  32. Cathi Braasch

    Dec 25

    Hola, Pati, y Feliz Navidad. It’s just my husband and me at home at the ranch today. I am bringing back some early favorites from my DeAlvarez foster family’s traditions, including bunuelos. Your instructions for the syrup are a little different than what I remember as a child, but I think we must have adapted to what we had on the ranch in the San Benito Hills of California. Honey, cinnamon and juice from the rare treat of a Christmas orange. Your recipe will help me adapt to my own circumstances these nearly six decades later. Mil gracias.

    1. Pati

      Dec 28

      Yum! That sounds delicious!

  33. Sara heisler

    Dec 30

    Hola Pati, que podría usar para substituir el licor de anis o naranja? No lo encuentro por aquí.

  34. bertha

    Dec 23

    Im going to try to help my mom’s memories with your recipe. She has dementia and we never wrote her recipe when she made them..thanks..I made piggies with school kids, they loved it.

    1. Pati

      Dec 23

      Aww! I hope she enjoys the Bunuelos!!

  35. Melinda Herbert

    Dec 22

    Hi Patti, can we sub the liquor? if yes with what? thanks! looking forward to these yum!

  36. Jessy

    Dec 18

    Gracias por la receta – me podrias decir si se pueden preparer uno o dos dias antes? O con cuanta anticipacion recomiendas?

    1. Pati

      Dec 18

      Recomiendo un día antes nada más…

  37. itzel

    Dec 17

    Sí! Al fin encontré la receta que lleva jugo de naranja, mi mamá la tenía pero la perdió y no recordaba como eran, muchas gracias Pati 🙂

    1. Pati

      Dec 18

      Con gusto!

  38. Cynthia

    May 16

    I’m so excited to try this recipe, I always ask my mom to make them for Christmas like she used to when we were young. But with tamales and Pozole and everything else she runs out of time to make bunuelos. Now I’ll be able to surprise her with some, even if it is may. Thank you for this awesome recipe

    1. Pati

      May 18

      Oh, that is such a great idea, you will make your mom so happy!

  39. Dolores

    Dec 30

    Hi Pati, just finished making 30 bunuelos! OH MY GOODNESS!! So much work!! OH So GOOD! I also made the syrup, WOW, just hope I don’t eat them all! LOL…Thank you pati so much for sharing your wonderful recipes for us to enjoy-FELIZ ANO NUEVO

    1. Pati

      Jan 01

      So happy to hear that it was worth it for you too Dolores!!! I agree: SO MUCH WORK!

  40. Lupita

    Dec 23

    Thank you Pati!! I do love buñuelos!! I’ll definitely try this recipe. Happy Holidays!!

    1. Pati

      Dec 24

      Happy holidays to you, Lupita!

  41. Tracie

    Dec 22

    Hi I was wondering if decide to use tomatillo husks how much of that liquid do I use for this recipe?

    1. Pati

      Dec 24

      Use the 1 cup of the tomatillo husk liquid, instead of the water ; )

  42. Clemencia Mendez de Leon

    Dec 05

    My dear Mother always made these and now I’m going to try it. My question is whether or not they can be made ahead of time. I will be so busy cooking for Christmas Eve dinner that I will have to make these at least a day before. If so, how can I store them for a day or two?

    For the first time I am going to try an authentic Mexican Christmas Eve dinner. Wish me luck!

    1. Pati

      Dec 06

      Hola Clemencia, I wish I could try your mother’s bunuelos! Yes, you can make them a day ahead. Store at room temp covered or in a tightly sealed container. I’m sure everyone will love your Christmas Eve dinner — let me know if you have any more questions.

  43. Sandra

    Jul 15

    Great recipe. I have one that I always use, but I’ll try your this next Christmas.. Gracia!

    1. Pati

      Jul 18

      Thanks, Sandra. I hope you do!

  44. em

    May 23

    Made these buñuelos for new years, 2013. They were so yummy. The dough was so easy to handle, they dried well and all in all pretty easy to make (due to an easy to handle dough)

    1. Pati

      May 24

      Thank you, Em! I’m so happy to hear you made this recipe!!

  45. Melisa

    Mar 13

    Patti, just enjoyed your sweet personality on the view but above all your talentoso y a la vez simple method of cooking. It’s the way I like to cook for my family. Going to make these buñuelos!!!! Y el piloncillo me encanta and being four months pregnant believe me, I will make them! Gracias for being so authentic and just so nice! Refreshing.

    1. Pati

      Mar 14

      Thank you so much, Melisa!!

  46. Lourdes Estrada

    Jan 18

    Hola Pati, me gusta mucho ver su programa, hasta puedo saborear toda la comida que usted cocina. Me gustaria saber si usted tiene una receta para hacer unos buenos churros. Cuando estaba chiquita, mi papa me compraba en Tijuana unos churros bien sabrosos en un puesto que estaba en el Centro. Quiero aprender hacer los churros para mis hijos y esposo. Los que venden en Costo no son los “originales” churros mexicanos. Si tiene la receta, me la puede enviar? Muchas gracias y muchas bendiciones en su programa. Lourdes Estrada

    1. Pati

      Jan 18

      Hola Lourdes!!
      Gracias por escribir! No sabes cuantas ganas tengo de subir una receta de churros. Lo voy a hacer pronto. Pero para eso la tengo que editar y tomar fotos… Nada como unos churros recien hechos…

  47. iris

    Jan 09

    hola pati me gusto mucho tu programa cuando hiciste los chiles poblanos a veces es dificil encontrar recetas tan claras como las tuyas felicidades, voy a tratar de hacer los bunuelos. una pregunta se puede conseguir tu libro de recetas en espanol? gracias por tu atencion.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 09

      ¡Hola! Todavía no está en español… Gracias por tu mensaje.

  48. Karla

    Nov 17

    Hola Pati:
    En unos de tus programas que yo estaba viendo con mi hijo de 8 anos de edad, tu hicistes un cake llamado “juju’s birthday cake” a mi hijo le encanto y quiere que lo hagamos juntos. El problema es que no pude anotar todos los ingredientes, ni se exactamente como se hace. He buscado la receta en la internet pero no aparece. Me la puedes mandar por favor. Te lo agradezco.
    Muchas gracias por las deliciosas recetas que compartes con nosotras las latinas que estamos en este pais. Sigue adelante con el programa!!!!! Tiene un toque muy especial.

  49. Pati Jinich

    Nov 05

    Elva, Que suerte! Espero que te gusten.

  50. Elva

    Oct 13

    Pati, Que ricos recuerdos, mi abuelita vendia bunelos en la calle en Apatzingan Michoacan,yo voy a tratar de hacerlos!

  51. Pati Jinich

    Aug 01

    Hola Maeve, Thank you so much for your lovely email! I will definitely look into making the bunuelos for the next season we shoot. I hope you and your husband enjoy the bunuelos!

  52. Maeve Garcia

    Jul 20

    Hola Pati!
    I have been promising my husband for years that I will make his dream come true and learn to make Bunuelos for him. His fondest memories are of his Grandma Lupita making them when he and all is sibling were young.
    More than anything I hope someday you will make them on your show so I can tape it and watch you make them. I’m a ‘Visual’ person and learn so much better by watching someone create a great recipe.
    If you and your show were on three times a day, I would set my recorder so I would not miss even one! I love to watch you Pati – you are the sweetest person. I love your stories that you tell as you prepare your meals.
    Please, Please ask your producers to let you make Bunuelos on your show! I would be thee happiest ‘Red Headed Irishican’ lady in the world! (I am Irish – husband is Mexican!)They call us “Lucy and Ricky Ricardo!!!”
    You are the Best Pati!!
    Most Sincerly,
    Maeve GArcia

  53. Pati Jinich

    Mar 14

    Hola FaylinaMeir, Thank you so much for your comment and I hope you enjoy the Buñuelos once you try them! Yes, I am actually in the production of season 2 and hoping to have a DVD with both seasons after the second season airs. 🙂

  54. FaylinaMeir

    Mar 10

    I used to see these all the time where I used to live. Here in Omaha,Ne there is a large Hispanic population, especially by where I used to live. It was really awesome because you’d almost think you were in Mexico with all the traditional sorta stores. It was so cool, you would have guys walk around the neighborhoods selling snacks, one of which were these. Now I always bought the duros (soo yummy!) but I had wondered what the other treat they sold were. I think next time I go to the mexican supermarket (yes, I am blessed enough to have one here in Omaha) I’ll buy some, their bakery makes them fresh everyday.
    Oh how I miss my old neighborhood, cheap and good food! Although I don’t miss the crime… which is why I moved across town LOL!
    Pati – is there a season 2 or some dvds coming soon? My pbs station has quit showing your program (except today when they did a special about ladies) and I miss your happiness =D

  55. Mimi

    Feb 18

    Thank you. One of the dishes my Mom would always make me was Camarones con Nopales- the camarones were actually little patties of dried shrimp coated with egg batter and fried, Then put in a reddish soup with diced cactus. Do you have a recipe for ths?

  56. Pati Jinich

    Feb 09

    I am so sorry about your mother and sister Mimi! If you need recipes for anything, please let me know! It is my pleasure to help any way I can!

  57. Mimi

    Feb 08

    Hola Pati,
    I am so grateful you have these recipes! I recently lost my mother and my older sister- and have found myself without anyone to call for how to cook things. I never wrote recipes down and was feeling really lost. I saw your show by chance and can’t believe you even have a capirotada recipe! You don’t know what finding real recipes from Mexico-like I remember them- means to me. Muchisimas Gracias,
    Mimi

  58. Pati Jinich

    Feb 01

    Thank you so much Anne! I am so happy I could help you revive a family tradition!

  59. Anne Montemayor

    Jan 31

    Hi Patti,
    I watch your cooking show on KCET in Thousand Oaks, CA.
    Your recipes are very easy to understand and follow. My mother use to make Bunuelos every New Year’s eve, she would stretch them paper thin over her knee. She would dust them with cinnamon and sugar after frying them. They were delicious. I never got the recipe from her, so I was very happy to see that you included the Bunuelos recipe on your web site. I will make them for my children and grandchildren.
    I have made several of your recipes with great success.
    Thank you for the traditional Mexican recipes which I grew up enjoying, but never learned to make.
    The best of 2012.
    Anne Montemayor

  60. Pati Jinich

    Jan 30

    Hola Brandy! Just, instead of using the baking powder, dilute 1/2-1 teaspoon of tequesquite in 1/2 cup of water and follow the recipe as is.

  61. Brandy

    Jan 29

    Hola Pati,
    I see in your description of the original method: the use of saltpeter water. Do you have a recipe that includes that method?
    Muchas Gracias
    Brandy

  62. Pati Jinich

    Jan 27

    Muchas gracias por ver el show Enrique! Hay muchos lugares que venden comida latina, como Panam Grocery en 14th NW, Shoppers y también supermercados como Giant.

  63. Pati Jinich

    Jan 27

    Hola Stefanie, Solo necesitas hervir hojas de tomate verde, enjuagadas, en agua! Al tanteo. Luego usas los tomates para otra cosa como Salsa Verde http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/2009/04/cooked-salsa-verde.html.

  64. Enrique Valverde

    Jan 19

    Hola Pati:
    Desde que vi tu programa en WETA de Washington DC, me gusto muchisimo por la simplicidad, el detalle y seguramente el sabor tan delicioso que tendran los platos que preparas.
    Este episodio de los Bunuelos es muy similar al que hacemos en nuestro pais Ecuador y tambien es costumbre hacerlos en la epoca navidena, y tambien usamos la panela para hacer una miel que es tan sabrosa porque le anadimos, canela y unas gotas de limon.
    La pregunta que tengo es, como tu residencia es en Washington DC, donde consigues los productos que son tan tipicos de Mejico y talvez pueda conseguir algunos que se apliquen a platos tipicos ecuatorianos. Por favor se me puedes dejar saber, te agradesco de antemano y espero seguir mirando todos los episodios de la Mesa Mejicana.
    Hasta pronto y que tengas un prospero 2012.
    Enrique Valverde de Columbia Maryland.

  65. Stefanie

    Jan 13

    Hola Pati
    Cuantos recuerdos lindos de mi mami se binieron a mi mente al leer como hacer
    los buñelos. Yo le ayudaba a mi mami cada Año Nuevo. Era nuestra
    tradicion. Hace un año y medio que se nos fue 🙁
    Y nunca apunte su receta. Pero al leer tu receta creo que era muy similar.
    Aunque creo que ella hacia agua con las hojas de tomatillo.
    Y tambien los hacia en su rodilla. Sabrias tu como hacer el
    Agua con las hojas de tomatillo? Gracias Pati por esta receta.
    No te imaginas comome siento al saber que puedo seguir con
    Nuestra tradicion. Sinceramante, Stefanie

  66. Pati Jinich

    Jan 05

    Hola Maria,
    Si! Esa es tambien buena tecnica: el chiste es orear y secar un poco los buñuelos antes de freirlos, paraque queden bien doraditos y no brinque mucho el aceite. Buena idea¡

  67. Pati Jinich

    Jan 02

    Hope you enjoy the recipe Eli!

  68. Eli

    Dec 30

    Woo hoo!!! Glad to see a recipe for these. My mother used to make these every year for New Year’s Day, I have to remind her
    to start making them again. I will have to make these from scratch for the first time. Fun!!

  69. Maria

    Dec 28

    Hola Pati!! Gracias por compartir otra rica receta!!
    Una pregunta…. en el rancho de mi marido, despues de estirar el buñuelo en vez de poner lo a secar, los ponen en el comal como tortillas. Es solo por poco tiempo y despues los frien. Se puede hacer eso con esta receta? Gracias!

  70. Veronica

    Dec 23

    We like to pour the piloncillo syrup in a pan, heat it up, and then crumble a bunuelo in it. We make sure it’s drenched and then stuff it into a bolillo. It’s like a bunuelo torta! Accompanied with a tall glass of cold milk is the best!

  71. Amyris

    Dec 22

    Hola Pati!!
    Se ven deliciosos!! Me encantan tus recetas y las historias que las acompañan.
    Gracias por compartir tus experiencias!!
    Te queremos mucho…besos
    Amyris

  72. Pati Jinich

    Dec 22

    So glad I could help Adela!

  73. Georgina Salazar

    Dec 22

    Hola Pati!
    Me encantan tus recetas por que son mexicanas mexicanas, no americanisadas como muchos chefs en la televisión. Deberías escribir un libro de recetas (en inglés o español) yo sería la primera en comprarlo y tambien se los recomendaría o regalaría a todas mis amigas. Me gusta mucho como describes la historia detrás del platillo (mi abuela también preparaba ricos buñuelos cuando viajamos a Guadalajara) y las instrucciones son claras. Felicidades por tu página, eres una excelente chef! Feliz Navidad!

  74. Melanie

    Dec 22

    Wow! This recipe looks absolutely mouth-watering!

  75. Required Mariana Zavala

    Dec 21

    Thank you for the step by step recipe. I’ve never heard of using piloncillo but I like them with sugar cinnamon.

  76. Adela Soberanes

    Dec 21

    I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this recipe in my in-box. My sister-in-law and I were just discussing how nice it would be to try and make bunuelos for Noche Buena. We almost decided to fry a flour tortilla instead of making the dough. Now that I have this recipe I can’t wait to share it with her and try it out.
    Extremely excited!
    Adela Soberanes

  77. Michael

    Dec 21

    They look fantastic. I will try and coax a certain someone into making these. She’s a kitchen wiz – hopefully she will accept the challenge.

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