4 cups all-purpose flour ▢2 teaspoons baking powder ▢1 teaspoon salt ▢4 tablespoons shortening ▢1½ cups warm water ▢2 quarts oil, for frying ▢honey
In a large bowl, whisk 4 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cut in 4 tablespoons shortening using a pastry blender or two knives, until the pieces are no bigger than pea-sized.
Pour in 1½ cups warm water and mix to form a dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rest for twenty minutes.
While the dough rests, heat 2 quarts oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan until the oil temperature is 375°F. Roll the dough out to ¼ inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 3-inch squares.
Fry each square in hot vegetable oil until it puffs up and turns golden brown on both sides. Take each batch out of the hot oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
If your oil is hot enough (375°F), it should only take about 15 seconds per side to fry. Serve the sopapillas warm, and drizzle with honey.