Capirotada

Here’s a classic Mexican Capirotada recipe—a traditional bread pudding often made during Lent. I’ll give a detailed version with ingredients, steps, and tips.

Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding)

Ingredients (serves 6–8)

Bread Layer:

• 6–8 slices of bolillo, French bread, or stale white bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 3 tablespoons butter

Syrup:

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup piloncillo (or brown sugar)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3–4 whole cloves
• 1–2 strips of orange peel (optional, for fragrance)

Filling & Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded cheese (traditionally Chihuahua or Manchego; mozzarella works too)
• ½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ½ cup raisins
• ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10–12 minutes until slightly golden.
3. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Syrup

1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, piloncillo (or brown sugar), cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until syrup thickens slightly.
3. Remove cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel.

Step 3: Assemble the Capirotada

1. Butter a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. Layer half of the toasted bread cubes at the bottom.
3. Sprinkle half of the cheese, raisins, nuts, and coconut over the bread.
4. Pour half of the syrup evenly over the layer.
5. Repeat with the remaining bread, cheese, nuts, raisins, coconut, and syrup.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

• Let it cool slightly before serving. Capirotada is traditionally served warm or at room temperature.
• Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top for extra aroma and flavor.

Tips

• Capirotada tastes even better the next day as the bread absorbs more syrup.
• You can customize it by adding dried fruits like apricots or cranberries.
• For a richer version, drizzle a little sweetened condensed milk over the top before serving.