Cheese Fritters (Colombian Buñuelos)

Colombian buñuelos or cheese fritters, are a mouthful of textures and flavours. They have a soft crumb and a crispy crust with a hint of sweetness and are a typical Colombian Christmas treat. Christmas in Colombia begins on December 7th with the celebration of Día de las Velitas (Day of the Candles) where people place hundreds of candles at the doors of their homes and in their neighborhood to guide the way of the Virgin Mary. Friends and families gather together to sing Christmas carols and enjoy Christmas treats. Although Colombian buñuelos are enjoyed all year around, these little balls are an iconic food for the holidays. You can find buñuelos all around South America. Sweet or savoury. Made with white flour, corn flour, cassava flour, or mashed cassava.

1 cup cassava flour (140 g)
½ cup cornstarch (65 g)
1 cup shredded cheese (150 g)
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. baking powder
2 Tbsp. butter, at room temperature (14.2 g)
1 egg
2 Tbsp. milk
3 cups vegetable oil, for frying

In a big mixing bowl, add cassava flour, cornstarch, cheese, sugar, salt, baking powder, butter and egg. Mix with the tip of your fingers.

Bring the dough together with milk. The dough has a playdough texture.
In a medium pan, heat oil on low or keep between 320-340 F (160-170 C).

Divide the dough in 32 equal portions. Roll the dough into balls.

Fry 3-4 buñuelos at a time, for 5 minutes.

Place them on a paper towel. Serve immediately.

Cook's Notes: If using mozzarella, use 1½ cups. Or use 1 cup feta cheese. Another option is ¾ cup feta cheese + ¼ cup queso fresco. (The amount of milk used may need to be decreased slightly for these softer cheeses.)