Hello! How are you? Today we're going to enjoy something sweet for a snack or any time: Carnival ears . No, we're not going to eat anyone's ear; we're going to enjoy this sweet and crunchy snack that's a tradition in Galicia, especially during Carnival season.
We're going to tell you what these crunchy sweets are all about, why they're so popular in Galicia and other regions of Spain, and, as always, we're going to learn how to make them at home with a finger-licking recipe for carnival ears!
Content table
About the carnival ears
Carnival ears, also known as "Galician ears" or "fried ears," are one of Galicia's most emblematic sweets during the Carnival season, along with Galician filloas or fried canes filled with cream.
This snack is characterized by its irregular ear-like shape and crispy, golden texture. Although their appearance may vary, their unmistakable flavor makes them an irresistible treat.
These treats, very similar to tortas fritas , are typically made from flour dough that's stretched into a thin, irregular sheet and deep-fried in hot oil until puffy and golden. They're then sprinkled with sugar or cinnamon for a sweeter flavor.
The curious origin of its name
Why are they called Carnival ears? The answer to this question lies in the peculiar shape of these sweets. Their pig's ear-like appearance also resembles the costumes and masks worn during Carnival, where creativity and extravagance are welcomed.
But it also has to do with the time when these sweets are eaten before Lent, a time when meat is not usually eaten for religious reasons. Instead, these sweet ears, which were "allowed," were created in a playful way.
History of Galician ears
The story of fried ears, as we mentioned, is linked to the culinary tradition of many cultures that celebrate Carnival, the festive period preceding Lent, a 40-day period of abstinence and penance that precedes Holy Week in Christianity.
The relationship between Galician ears and Lent lies in the fact that this dessert is specially prepared to be enjoyed during the Carnival period , which is a time of indulgence and celebration before the austerity of Lent.
How are carnival ears made?
Making carnival ears is a fairly simple process. Prepare a sweet dough with a little yeast and an optional touch of anise or a similar liqueur.
This dough is thinly rolled out and cut into irregular shapes before being fried in hot oil until golden brown and puffed up with the help of the leavening agent. The result is a sweet treat that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
How to make the dough for Galician ears
The dough for the carnival ears is the heart of this preparation. To achieve the perfect dough, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, yeast, and a touch of anise are mixed together. The combination of these ingredients results in a fragrant dough with a soft and elastic texture, ideal for rolling out thinly and shaping the ears.
The dough is an essential part of the yeast-risen carnival ears recipe, as it determines the characteristic texture and flavor of this sweet treat. It's important to flavor it with a little anise or citrus zest for extra zest.
Occasions to enjoy the carnival ears in Galicia
Carnival ears are not only enjoyed during Carnival season in Galicia, but are also welcomed on other festive occasions. These sweets become a centerpiece at family celebrations, weddings, communions, and other special events.
Furthermore, they are a gustatory memory that transports many Galicians back to their childhood, recalling moments of joy and culinary tradition.
4 tips for preparing sweet ears
- Cut the dough pieces into similar sizes so that they fry evenly.
- The ears fry very quickly because their batter is very thin, so it's important to control the temperature of the oil and not neglect the preparation.
- Stretch the dough on a counter, without adding too much flour. If it sticks too much, it's better not to continue adding flour, but rather a little oil.
- For a sweeter touch, the ears can be sprinkled with powdered or regular sugar, or even with ground cinnamon, just after frying to give them a touch of sweetness and aroma.
Follow on Instagram ( here )
and on YouTube that I upload new videos every week ( click here )
Carnival ears recipe
Yields : 20 ears
Preparation time: 60 minutes
Ingredients
- 250 g of flour
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 30 g butter at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon of yeast or baking powder
- 1 tablespoon of anise liqueur (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest
- Frying oil
- Powdered sugar and cinnamon (optional, for decoration)
How to make carnival ears step by step
- In a bowl, mix the sifted flour, sugar, butter, and baking powder.
- Add the eggs and anise liqueur. Mix with your hands or a pastry cutter and knead until you have a smooth, even dough.
- Divide the dough into small balls and roll each one out very thinly into irregular sheets.
- Heat plenty of oil in a deep frying pan. When hot, fry the dough sheets until golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and drain them on absorbent paper.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar and cinnamon before serving.
