Ecuadorian dessert: Pristiños or Christmas fritters
The best way to end a meal or share time with our loved ones is with a nice dessert.
What better way to learn about the gastronomy of Ecuador and end your meal than by tasting one of the traditional desserts of the country?
We want to share the flavors that are traditional to the different regions of the country, and today highlight the ponche, a dessert or beverage that started as a tradition in the city of Quito and then expanded to other places in the country.
About pristiños
Together with ponche, pristiños are served around Christmas here in Ecuador. Pristiños or Christmas fritters, with syrup, are a tradition mainly in the capital city, Quito. Pristiños are sweet fritters, that are somehow similar to the buñuelos, but with a stronger taste due to the focus on the flavor of the dough.
Traditionally they are made with the shape of a crown, but this can vary depending on who is preparing them.
For some pristiños are a bit similar to another traditional dessert called buñuelos, and to the bugnes from France.
You can try to make pristiños at home by following this recipe.
If you are in South America, I would love to see your pictures.
What do they taste like
This is a dessert served around Christmas and covered with piloncillo syrup. Therefore the flavors will be a combination of the dough, the syrup, and sometimes some notes of cinnamon.
A delicious way to finish Christmas Eve is by enjoying these traditional fritters.
How and where to eat pristiños
As mentioned before, these tasty fritters are commonly served together with piloncillo syrup or miel de panela, but I just found out that there are people who enjoy them with dulce de higos.
You can find this dessert for sale in restaurants in Quito around the Christmas season.
Make sure to delight your palate with some pristiños when you visit Downtown Quito.
Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!).
Have you tasted ponche? Leave your comment below!
If you enjoy the content, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing. It’s free, and it helps us. Every little bit will help fund our travels and continue to bring great content to our site!
Planning a trip soon? Comment below or send me an email. I can help you plan your trip.
PIN IT FOR LATER
Don´t just dream it. Make it happen. Plan your South American trip with a local!
Take a look at this list of travel resources to plan your trip and travel in South America.
Daydreaming about your trip to South America? I share with you some useful tips & resources for a memorable trip! Order here your Free Ebook.
I invite you to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. In addition, you can subscribe on YouTube. You can also send me an email to get more information or help planning your trip: info(at) visitecuadorandsouthamerica(dot)com.
