Churros with chocolate are a classic of Spanish pastries and a delicacy enjoyed in many parts of the world. This dish combines the crunchy, golden texture of churros with the richness and creaminess of hot chocolate.
Before we dive into the recipe, it's interesting to know a little about the history of churros. It is said that churros have their roots in the cuisine of Spanish shepherds, who prepared them in the countryside because they were easy to cook over a campfire. Over time, this simple recipe became popular and became a staple of Spanish baking.
Churros spread throughout Latin America and other countries, each region adding its own twist. For example, in Mexico, churros are often filled with dulce de leche or cajeta. However, the classic combination of churros with chocolate remains a favorite in many parts of the world.
Ingredients
To prepare churros with chocolate, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Churros:
1 cup of water (240 ml)
2 1/2 tablespoons of sugar (30 g)
1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 g)
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (30 ml)
1 cup of wheat flour (120 g)
Oil for frying (enough to submerge the churros)
Sugar and cinnamon to sprinkle
For the Hot Chocolate:
200 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
2 cups of milk (500 ml)
2 tablespoons of sugar (25 g)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken)
Preparation of the Churros
Prepare the Dough:
In a saucepan, mix the water, sugar, salt and vegetable oil. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to boil.
Once the mixture is boiling, remove it from the heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Rest the Dough:
Let the dough sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before handling it.
Prepare the Pastry Bag:
Fill a pastry bag with a star-shaped nozzle with the churros dough. If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a plastic bag with one corner cut off.
Fry the Churros:
Heat the oil in a deep frying pan or deep fryer to 180°C (350°F).
Squeeze the dough into the hot oil, forming strips approximately 10-15 cm long. You can fry several at once, but make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry the churros until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Remove the churros with a slotted spoon and place them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
Sprinkle with Sugar and Cinnamon:
Mix sugar and cinnamon on a plate and roll the churros in this mixture while they are still hot.
Preparation of Hot Chocolate
Melt the Chocolate:
Cut the chocolate into small pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl.
Heat the Milk:
In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
Mix the Chocolate and Milk:
Pour the hot milk over the chocolate and let sit for a few minutes so the chocolate melts.
Stir the mixture until it is completely smooth and homogeneous. If you want a thicker chocolate, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little cold milk and heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens.
Add Sugar:
Add the sugar to the hot chocolate and mix well until dissolved.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the freshly made churros with a cup of hot chocolate. For maximum enjoyment, dip the churros in the chocolate before each bite. The contrast of the crunchy texture of the churros with the softness of the chocolate is simply irresistible!
Tips and Variations
Oil Temperature: It is crucial that the oil is at the right temperature for frying. If it is too hot, the churros will burn on the outside and be raw on the inside. If it's too cold, they will absorb a lot of oil and become greasy.
Piping Bag Nozzle: A star-shaped nozzle is ideal for achieving the classic churros texture, but if you don't have one, any large-sized nozzle will work.
Fillings: If you want a special touch, you can fill the churros with dulce de leche, pastry cream or chocolate before frying them.
Chocolate Varieties: You can experiment with different types of chocolate for hot chocolate, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate. Adjust the amount of sugar depending on the type of chocolate you use.
Baked Churros: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the churros instead of frying them. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Eating churros with chocolate is more than just enjoying a sweet treat; It is a complete experience. In Spain, it is common to enjoy this delicacy in churrerías, where they are served freshly made and accompanied with a cup of thick hot chocolate. This tradition has spread throughout the world, and it is not uncommon to find churro stands at fairs and special events.
In addition to being an excellent breakfast or snack, churros with chocolate are perfect for any special occasion. They are ideal to share with friends and family, and can be the perfect dessert for a gathering.