Torta Frita - fried sweet bread

Other

In a big bowl, add flour, salt, baking powder, and beef tallow. Use a pastry cutter or 2 knives to cut the fat into the flour. (Alternately, mix the ingredients together in a stand mixer, with a dough hook.)

Add water and mix with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together. Knead it for a couple of minutes. Cover it and let it rest for 10 minutes.

After resting, knead the dough for 5 minutes, or until soft.

Separate the dough into 8 portions. Roll each portion between the palm of your hand and a flat surface to create a ball. Cover with a slightly damp kitchen towel and let them rest for 10 minutes.

In a deep and wide pot, heat the oil to 375F, over medium-low heat.

After the last resting of the dough, you should be able to stretch the dough by hand into about a 7 inch circle.  If this is not possible, just flour a flat surface, and use a rolling pin to make a 7-inch circle. Cut a line in the middle.

Fry the breads, one at a time. Fry for a few seconds and then flip. Let it brown on that side, then flip again and brown the other side.

Remove from the oil and place on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Dust with sugar and serve. (Best served immediately.)