Torrijas: Heavenly, but Evil
My Spanish mama, who taught me this recipe, said that it is “deceptively evil” as it tastes so heavenly, but you pay for it on the hips :p Perhaps this is why it is normally only eaten during Semana Santa. That’s right, you will be hard-pressed to find chocolate Easter eggs in Spain (especially compared to the overly commercial stores in Australia), but torrijas will be served in abundance throughout Semana Santa. It’s believed that they were created by nuns in Spanish convents centuries ago, as a way to use up stale bread left over from lent. They were the perfect ‘pick-me-up’ for the hungry and weak, and were even served to women giving birth to help relieve some pain (although I think the accompanying wine might have been the trick).
Whilst I’m one to respect tradition, this dessert is too good to only eat once a year, which is why I’m passing on this lovely recipe for you to cook and eat whenever you like!
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- With cinnamon sugar or honey, these babies are delicious!
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- I love cooking Spanish food!
Torrijas Recipe
Serves 4 – 6 (depending how much you eat yourself!)
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 tbls sugar
- 2 – 4 eggs, beaten
- Day-old, Thick bread, sliced – The more stale the better, as it will soak up the milk without breaking as easily. (I personally love to use baguettes, and slice them into thick pieces)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for frying)
- Cinnamon & sugar, honey or sugar water for added flavour
Method
- Boil milk, cinnamon & sugar for 5 minutes (or until fragrant). Stir.
- Leave to cool (this can be prepared the night before)
- Heat oil
- Once the milk has cooled, lay sliced bread in the milk and allow it to absorb/soak through
- Dip soaked bread into egg and place in frying pan
- Fry the bread, turning once, until they are a golden brown colour & crispy on the outside
- Sprinkle the fried bread with cinnamon and sugar, or brush over with honey or sugar water
A delicious dessert for any time of the year
They may not look like much, but they are such a delicious treat, and if cooked well, will be crunchy on the outside and creamy and soft on the inside! I’ve put our own spin on it and serve it with ice-cream, but they are quite decadent enough without anything else. I might even be courageous and try it with a bit of Baileys next time! Enjoy!
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know what you think and comment below!
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Ok, those really do look delicious. I might need to switch up my normal weekend pancake day this weekend for one of these. I’ll make sure not to eat them too frequently!
Oh Julia, that sounds like a delicious idea! It’s definitely worth a try once every now and then! Let us know what you think when you try them!
They’re pretty good but one’s too many for me! 🙂
Oh dear! I’ll eat your portion then 😉
WINE? With Breakfast!? Yes please!!!! But seriously, why has nobody in the US thought to FRY their french toast? Brilliant! If I actually had bread I’d make this tomorrow! I know what’s going on the grocery list
Haha I know, right? Why have we not thought of this earlier? Let us know what you think after you make them!
Looks and sounds incredibly delicious. I’d have a bite but all that frying is not on my menu!
Haha yeah it is definitely not diet friendly! haha
These look and sound amazing. I am definitely trying these at home. I will let you know how I get on
Enjoy Caroline! Let us know what you think when you make them!
Sounds delicious! Great of you to post the recipe 🙂
Thanks Tamara! They are quite easy to make as well (almost too easy!). Enjoy! 🙂
I spent six months in Spain and never heard of Torrijas – but now I’ll have to try them. They look sinfully delicious and I can feel my hips getting bigger already.
Haha yes, my poor hips have never quite recovered from my torrijas tasting! I’d never heard of them until our last trip to Spain, as they are normally only served during Easter. I hope you enjoy the recipe and can taste the Spanish influence!
I know what I am making for breakfast next weekend. This looks amazing. I love cinnamon on food (might add a little cardamon just for so).
Oooh Cardamon will be a nice touch! Let us know how they went! Thanks Jennifer!
I love torrijas! This is hardly found in Singapore and as a dessert lover I find myself missing it every now and then. Time to make some of my own 🙂
I’m so glad you can use the recipe for that Torrija fix when you need it! 😉
Managed to get all the ingredients together (was just waiting for my bread to ‘age’) and will be trying this out for breakfast tomorrow. Making the liquid bit tonight. Will report back on how I get on! Thanks for posting.
Thanks Sarah! I look forward to hearing how they turned out!
These look great! But I can see why they are evil LOL! It’s probably best if they’re only eaten once a year. If you ever do try it with Baileys, let us know! 😉
Haha I think I will try them with Baileys next time I make them! And until then, I might have to join the gym in preparation! :p
My goodness those looks so awesome!
Thanks Michael! They taste better than they look! 😉