Gachas

“Gachas” are a simple dish, made from toasted flour, oil and milk. In many parts of Spain, including the region of La Mancha, shepherds who lived in the hills with their flocks would prepare a pan of “gachas” with meat. In Andalucia, it is more common as a dessert, prepared with anise seeds or liqueur, sugar and cinnamon. This recipe is for the dessert version and is absolutely sweet and delicious.

Ingredients

• 4 thin slices baguette
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil, such as corn or canola
• 1/2 cup unbleached white wheat flour
• 1/2 tsp anis seeds
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2 %)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• cinnamon and sugar to sprinkle on top
• 3/4 cup warm milk to serve with “gachas”

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

 

Preparation

This sweet gachas recipe makes 4 servings.
Pour vegetable oil into a large frying pan and heat. When hot, fry the bread slices, browning them on both sides. Remove from pan and place on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Heat milk in a medium saucepan, but do not boil.
Fry the flour in the same oil on low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk. When the flour is toasted, remove the pan from the burner. Slowly pour the hot milk into the frying pan, stirring constantly so that no lumps form. As the mixture thickens, add the sugar while stirring and return to low heat. The mixture should be creamy and smooth.

Tip: Make sure that the milk is hot and stir constantly as it is poured into the fried flour. Doing this will help prevent lumps from forming.
Pour the 3/4 cup milk into a saucepan and heat to lukewarm.
While milk is heating, spoon the gachas into individual bowls, then pour in the milk. Sprinkle top with sugar and cinnamon. Top with a slice of fried bread. Serve warm. (spanishfood.about.com)