Capirotada is a traditional Mexican bread pudding often enjoyed during Lent and other special occasions. This comforting dish layers bread with a rich, spiced syrup, nuts, and cheese, creating a deliciously complex dessert. Here’s a detailed recipe for Grandma’s Capirotada, with tips and variations to make it just right!
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 loaf of bolillo or French bread (about 6-8 cups of bread cubes)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing the dish and buttering the bread)
For the Syrup:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (preferably a semi-soft cheese like Monterey Jack, Queso Fresco, or a mild Cheddar)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped dried fruits (like apricots, dates, or figs, optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced fresh or canned fruit (like apples, bananas, or pears, optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the bolillo or French bread into 1-inch cubes.
- Arrange the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is lightly toasted. This step helps to keep the bread from becoming too soggy.
2. Make the Syrup:
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, and lemon juice.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugars are completely dissolved and the syrup begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Capirotada:
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
- Place a layer of toasted bread cubes in the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over the bread.
- Add a layer of nuts, raisins, and dried fruit if using. (If using fresh fruit, add it to the layers as well.)
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
4. Pour the Syrup:
- Slowly pour the warm syrup over the assembled bread layers, making sure to cover as much of the bread as possible. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the syrup.
5. Bake the Capirotada:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the capirotada to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. It can be served warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- Bread Options: If bolillo isn’t available, French bread, Italian bread, or even a hearty sandwich bread will work. Just make sure it’s a bit stale for the best texture.
- Cheese Choices: Mild cheeses are traditional, but you can experiment with different types based on your preference. Some people use a mix of cheeses for added flavor.
- Nuts and Fruits: Feel free to customize the nuts and fruits based on what you have on hand or what you prefer. You can also skip nuts for a nut-free version.
- Add More Spice: If you love spices, consider adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice to the syrup.
- Vegetarian Option: Ensure the cheese used is vegetarian (not made with rennet derived from animals).
Historical Context
Capirotada has roots in Spanish cuisine and was adapted by the Mexican community, often associated with the Lenten season. The layers of ingredients symbolize different elements of Christ’s Passion, which is why it’s a traditional dish during Lent.
Enjoy making this family favorite and savoring the rich, sweet, and savory flavors of Grandma’s Capirotada!
Nutritional Information
For a rough estimate, here’s a general idea of the nutritional content per serving (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: ~250-350 calories
- Fat: 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35-50 grams
- Protein: 7-10 grams
Adjust portions and ingredients based on your dietary needs and preferences.
Feel free to adjust this recipe to make it your own, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this classic Mexican dessert!
