Leche Frita (Traditional Spanish Fried Milk Dessert)

Fried milk pudding, crispy outside and soft inside, often dusted with cinnamon and sugar.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 500 ml whole milk

• 100 g granulated sugar

• 50 g all-purpose flour (plus extra for coating)

• 25 g cornstarch

• 1 cinnamon stick

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 2 eggs, beaten

• Vegetable oil, for frying

• Cinnamon sugar (for dusting)

Preparation

1. Infuse milk:

   • Heat milk with the cinnamon stick and lemon zest until just below boiling.

   • Remove from heat and let infuse 10 minutes, then strain.

2. Prepare custard:

   • In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and sugar.

   • Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth.

3. Cook custard:

   • Return mixture to saucepan over medium heat.

   • Cook, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth.

4. Set custard:

   • Pour custard into a greased shallow dish.

   • Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours until firm.

5. Coat and fry:

   • Cut custard into squares or rectangles.

   • Dredge in flour, dip in beaten egg, and fry in hot oil until golden.

   • Drain on paper towels.

6. Serve:

   • Dust with cinnamon sugar before serving.

   • Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy as a dessert or sweet snack.

• Pair with coffee or hot chocolate.

• Great for festive occasions or homemade treats.

Cooking Tips

• Stir constantly when cooking custard to prevent lumps.

• Chill custard well for easier cutting and frying.

• Use fresh cinnamon and lemon zest for authentic flavor.