Churros are a type of fried-dough pastry, usually served sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. They are popular worldwide and have a long history of being enjoyed by people of all ages.
Brief History and Origin
The origin of churros can be traced back to Spain in the 16th century. The traditional Spanish version of churros is made by deep-frying dough in oil or lard, then sprinkling it with sugar and cinnamon before serving. It is believed that shepherds created churros as an easy way to sustain themselves while tending their flocks in remote areas where there were no bakeries or restaurants nearby.
In the 18th century, churros began to spread throughout Latin America, becoming popular street food snacks. In Mexico, they are known as “churritos” and are often served with hot chocolate or coffee for breakfast. They are called “alfajores” and are served with dulce de leche (caramelized condensed milk) in Argentina.
Churros began appearing in the United States in the early 20th century, and their popularity has grown. Today, churros are available in various flavours and styles, from traditional cinnamon-sugar to chocolate-covered and filled with cream.
Churros – The Recipe
- Preparation Time: 20 mins
- Cooking Time: 20 mins
- Total time: 40 mins
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 235ml water
- 2 ½ tbsp. Light brown sugar
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. cinnamon, ground
- 120g plain flour
- 2 tbsp. sunflower oil
- 2-litre vegetable oil for frying
- 100g confectioner’s sugar
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add sunflower oil, water, sugar and salt, and bring to a boil. As soon it starts to boil, remove it from the heat and mix until it becomes a ball.
- In a deep frying pan over medium-high heat, add oil for frying and heat until the temperature of the oil reaches 190 degrees C.
- Pour the dough into a pastry bag fixed with a medium-size star tip. When oil reaches the required temperature, add 6″ strips of dough into the frying pan. Work in batches and do not overcrowd.
- Cook churros until they turn golden brown, then remove using a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with absorbent paper; let them drain.
- In the meantime, add confectioner’s sugar and cinnamon to a dish, and mix well.
- Roll them in the sugar-cinnamon mixture when the churros are drained and serve immediately.
Popular variations
Here are a few ways you can change this basic recipe to adjust it to your liking:
- Chocolate Hazelnut Churros: Churros filled with creamy and chocolaty hazelnut filling makes this humble dessert utterly delicious – perfect for every occasion.
- Oreo Churros: Oreo churros are fun, quick and very tasteful.
- Vegan Churros: Plant-based ingredients will still give you the right texture and flavour.
- Churros With Coffee Chocolate Sauce: Serving churros with chocolate and coffee sauce takes this dessert to the next level.
- Churro Puff Pastry: If you want to deviate from the traditional churros recipe, try this churro puff pastry. It is crispy, sweet and very satisfying.
