Churros con chocolate

churros_con_chocolate

Mexico is a country rich in culture and delectable cuisine, with its passionate rhythms, ancient ruins, and spicy dishes, it has become a popular tourist destination. However, there is one dessert specialty that steals the heart of all those who taste it: churros.

For those unfamiliar, churros are a type of fried dough pastry in the shape of a stick or a twisted ribbon that originates from Spain. While the origin of the churro is debatable, there’s no doubt that this dessert is an all-time favorite in Mexico, particularly when dipped in a delicious cup of hot chocolate! It is said that the churro made its way to Mexico in the early 16th century when Spanish colonizers arrived in the region.

Churros are easy to make and very satisfying for both sweet tooths and foodies alike. Generally, they are made from a sweet dough, piped through a star-shaped nozzle, and then fried until crispy. The result is a golden and slightly crunchy exterior, with a soft and slightly chewy interior.

The most popular way of serving churros in Mexico is to serve them alongside a piping hot cup of thick and creamy chocolate – often referred to as champurrado – to dip the crispy pastries into. This is a traditional dessert that is favored by locals, as it is both warm and comforting.

The chocolate served with churros is a recipe that is just as popular today as it was centuries ago, with variations found in many cultures around the world. The Mexican version is a hot chocolate that is made with cocoa powder, cinnamon, sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt for balance. The result is a rich and flavorful chocolate that pairs well with the fried dough of the churro.

Despite being an easy recipe to prepare, mastering the churro can be a daunting task! However, with a little patience and practice, everyone can create delicious churros in the comfort of their own kitchen.

To begin, one will need simple ingredients like flour, water, sugar, salt, butter, and eggs, which are mixed in a large bowl to make a batter. The mixture is then piped through a star-shaped nozzle or pastry bag into hot oil, creating a long and twisted shape that rises as it fries. Afterward, the churros are drained on a paper towel to remove any excess oil and then rolled in cinnamon sugar to add a sweet and spicy taste.

Preparing hot chocolate for dipping is equally effortless. Simply mix milk, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a pot and bring everything to a boil, stirring constantly. Once the chocolate has reached the desired thickness and consistency, pour it into your cup and enjoy it with your freshly prepared churros.

In conclusion, churros con chocolate is a well-loved dessert in Mexico, thanks to its simple ingredients, aromatic flavors, and easy preparation. This is a dish that offers the perfect combination of crispy and sweet flavors, accompanied by a warm, comforting beverage. Whether enjoyed on a chilly morning or after an evening meal, churros con chocolate offers something special for everyone.

Ingredients for Churros:

  • 1 cup water
  • 2 1/2 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2-3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Ingredients for Chocolate Sauce:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp corn syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix water, sugar, salt, and vegetable oil. Bring to a boil.
  2. Remove from heat and add flour, stirring until dough forms.
  3. Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F.
  4. Spoon dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
  5. Pipe 6-inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, using scissors to cut off the dough from the piping tip.
  6. Fry until golden brown, turning once.
  7. Remove from the oil and place churros on paper towels to drain excess oil.
  8. In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Roll churros in mixture to coat.
  9. To make the chocolate sauce, heat cream in a saucepan over low heat until it simmers.
  10. Remove from heat and add in chocolate chips, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until chocolate is melted and smooth.
  11. Serve churros hot with warm chocolate sauce for dipping. Enjoy!