Churros

Churros are a delightful Spanish dessert consisting of fried dough that is typically dusted with sugar and served with a dipping sauce. They are often enjoyed hot and crispy, with a tender interior. Here’s a recipe for making classic churros:

Ingredients:

For the Churros:

• 1 cup (240ml) water
• 2 tablespoons (30g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons (30g) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Chocolate Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 4 ounces (113g) dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, salt, and vegetable oil. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip. Alternatively, you can use a plastic food storage bag with a corner snipped off.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or a deep fryer to about 375°F (190°C).
5. Pipe strips of dough directly into the hot oil, about 4-6 inches long. Use scissors or a knife to cut the dough from the piping bag. Be cautious and careful while working with hot oil.
6. Fry the churros until they are golden brown and crispy, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. This usually takes about 2-4 minutes per batch.
7. Remove the churros from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon, allowing any excess oil to drain.
8. In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating. Roll the warm churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are well coated.
9. For the chocolate dipping sauce, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
10. Serve the warm churros immediately with the chocolate dipping sauce on the side.