There is dispute over the history of where the churro originated. Some believe that it came from the Spanish shepherds because they had no access to bakeries, others believe that it was Portuguese sailors that brought them back after a trip to China. Despite this inconsistency in its history, this sweet and crunchy pastry spread to Latin American and North America and has become a traditional Mexican pastry for everyone to enjoy.
If you want to join the long line of churro-making history, you’re in the right place. Here is a recipe from the Food Network that adds a bit of flair to the pastry with a Mexican chocolate dipping sauce to enjoy along with it.
Ingredients
8 cups canola oil, for frying
Chocolate Sauce:
1 1/2 cups Mexican chocolate
3/4 cup heavy cream
Churros:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
3 medium eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions
In a large Dutch oven or countertop fryer using a high heat thermometer, bring the canola oil to 375 degrees F.
For the chocolate sauce: Bring a double broiler to a simmer over medium-low heat. Carefully melt the chocolate. Remove from the heat. With a wooden spoon or heat resistant spatula, stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth. Set aside.
For the churros: Set a large saucepot over medium heat. Add 1 cup water, the butter, sugar and salt. Bring to 155 degrees F, then dump in the flour and stir with a wooden spoon to incorporate and remove lumps, about 1 minute.
Using the spoon, add the eggs into the batter one at a time, beating after each addition, until fully incorporated. Spoon the batter into a pastry bag fitted with a star tip and carefully pipe into the heated oil, forming 6-inch strips or free form shapes. Do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes, turning once as the underside browns. Remove with a spider or slotted spoon and drain on paper-towel-lined sheet tray or plate.
To finish: Working quickly, combine the sugar and cinnamon together in a large mixing bowl. Gently add the hot churros, tossing to coat. Serve with the chocolate dipping sauce.
This is just one adaptation of a churro recipe. You can choose to leave the dough plain instead of coating it with cinnamon and sugar, or you could also sweeten it up by filling it with chocolate, custard, or jam. There are a number of different dipping sauces you can also try with your churros. Be creative!
This tasty treat would be great for a dessert or as a breakfast pastry. If you’re not ready to make your own churros yet, stop by Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurants and enjoy a churro after your meal. We have a number of other desserts to choose from that are just as delicious, like our deep fried ice cream and our dessert burrito. Come visit us today at Andover, North Andover, or North Billerica, Massachusetts. We’d love to have you!