The pandemic caused by Covid-19 has deprived us of the best traditional festivals in our country. The celebrations have been reduced to the walls of our houses and it seems that this will continue to be the case for some time. But this does not prevent us from enjoying of the best holiday meals and desserts like the one that would be celebrated this week in February: the Carnivals. Do you know the Carnival ears? This is a very popular sweet in the northern part of the Peninsula and typical of these dates when people would dress up. Next, you will discover how it is, its easy cooking and its rich flavor. Enjoy it!
His humble origin
This rich dessert, like the vast majority of Galician gastronomic tradition, has humble origins. And, in the case of this typical Carnival recipe, it has strong relationship with religious protocols that prevent you from eating meat during Lent. For example, that of the pig, so consumed in Spain.
And whoever talks about food also refers to desserts. And it is that, Carnival ears do direct consonance with the same part of the body of the pig. Since there are currents that claim that they are called that way because of their resemblance to the animal's ear. This dish enters the select group of sweets of these dates, whose main characteristic is its pan preparation. Something that, without a doubt, is much cheaper than baking.
What are Carnival ears?
It is a typical Galician dessert of these festivities. In addition, this food can be known as I enter. The Carnival ears they are a dessert with great tradition in Galicia, especially in the south of the community. Although there is talk of that similarity linked to the pig, in reality, its name comes from its resemblance to people's ears, although its size is much older.
In addition, this recipe can not only be found in Galicia. In the north of the peninsula and, especially in the surroundings of León, They are also performed during the Carnival celebration. As well as in other parts of Spain they receive different names, such as flakes in Valencia.
Easy preparation
They do not have a high elaboration difficulty, and it is that, after all, it is about fried dough. Although, the ingredients may vary depending on your culinary preferences and the flavor you prefer to add to the dough. They are fundamentally made from cooked lard or butter and flour, in addition to other ingredients to add taste and texture to the recipe.
The best known recipe with this product is the one used lard, anise, lemon, water, flour and eggs. As you can see, here there is also a clear reference to the pig. But, that this preparation is the most popular does not mean that there are many options to build dishes with this product. A little bit of ingenuity and creativity you can change the anise for pomace. Or even substitute the traditional powdered sugar for the mixture of honey and cinnamon.
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A multitude of recipes
El secreto of the preparation of Carnival ears is in the dough. It should be the perfect texture after shaping to be able to fry properly. And the thing is, for frying you have to be Very careful, since you have to control the temperature at all times, and gradually regulate it and change the oil as needed by the dough. By the way, it is recommended that this oil sea sunflower, since the olive can be mixed with the original flavor of this delicious dessert. After this, and when the dough is well fried you just have to let it cool and add everything you need to enjoy its flavor.
It seems a somewhat complicated elaboration, but, with a bit of caution you can make them in your own home. In fact, you can find several recipes to prepare this sweet, so you can choose your method according to your culinary skills and tasting preferences.
That we have not been able to enjoy one of the most important festivities in our country is a real setback. But their traditional meals and desserts continue to knock on your door. Are you willing to try this delicious delicacy of our «carnival» gastronomy? From here we invite you to try to make these Carnival ears and above all… Enjoy them!
