Chilean Biscuits (Hallullas) Recipe
Hallullas are traditional Chilean biscuits known for their slightly dense texture and rich, buttery flavor. They are often enjoyed with butter, cheese, or jam and make for a perfect accompaniment to tea or coffee. Here's a simple recipe to make these delicious biscuits at home.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening (or lard), softened
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, vegetable shortening (or lard), and sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing with your hands or a mixer with a dough hook attachment until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Slowly add the warm milk and warm water to the dough mixture. Knead until a smooth, pliable dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick.
- Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough, approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter.
Bake:
- Place the dough circles on the prepared baking sheet. Prick the top of each circle a few times with a fork to prevent them from puffing up too much during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are lightly golden on top.
Cool and Serve:
- Remove the hallullas from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
- Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, with your favorite toppings like butter, cheese, or jam.
Hallullas are a beloved part of Chilean cuisine and are sure to be a hit at any meal. Enjoy making and sharing these traditional biscuits with friends and family!