Churros con Chocolate (Spanish Churros with Chocolate)

By Suzanne Anderson April 4, 2023 36 mins read 143 Views

In Spain churros are a decadent breakfast or late-night treat. Simple dough is fried and topped with sugar. Then, a rich melted chocolate sauce with cinnamon and star anis flavoring is added.

Photo credit: Mark Beahm

One cold January in Barcelona was the year I fell in love churros. You can find endless plates of crispy, hot churros at Carrer Petritxol's Gothic Quarter in Barcelona and San Gines in Madrid. They also have a wide selection of Spanish drinking chocolate.

In the evenings, after classes, or in the mornings after a night at the discotecas, I found myself in desperate need of a warm pick me up. My dancing days aren’t as frequent as they used to be, but my churro-eating skills are still very much alive! It's simple to make churros at your home, and it's a great treat for family and friends.

After you have made the dough, shape it and fry it. Then, roll the dough in sugar and make the dip chocolate. Your Spanish dessert will be ready in no time. As part of a Spanish meal, serve churros with Chorizo Pasta and Patatas Bravas. No discoteca required.

Table of Contents

Who created the Churro?
Churros shaping tools
What ingredients are needed to make Churros
How to make Churros
How to shape churros
Tips on How to Fry Churros
What to serve with Churros
More Chocolate Recipes!
Churros with chocolate recipe

Who created the Churro?

Spain is known for its beautiful beaches and delicious food. While my years in Madrid and Barcelona were filled with sun and fun, nobody mentioned the cold emanating from walls of stone and plaster during winter in an apartment complex hundreds of years old.

I was soon to discover a Spanish trick for staying happy and cozy even in off-season. Churros con Chocolate.

The history of churros is so long that it's hard to know where they came from. They may be based on a Chinese technique, but records also show that a similar fritter was made in Roman times.

However, we do know that churros were popularized in Spanish-speaking countries after they traveled with the Portuguese and Spanish to South America and Central America. The dough, fillings, toppings and sauces of churros have changed over time as they traveled around the world.

Some countries have richer or more filled churros. They may also be coated with cinnamon sugar and served with dulce de leche. Although I am an equal opportunity consumer when it comes to churros (churros con chocolat) is my personal favorite.

Tools for Shaping Churros

It can be quite a challenge to shape churros. After much testing, I found that my preferred method is to use a churrera, a cookie press and a star or churro disk.

A heavy-duty, cloth piping bag with a large star tip and fitted with a large open top will do the job. Disposable plastic piping bags are not recommended as they can tear after making a few churros. It is best to experiment to find the best tool and method for you.

Ingredients Required to Make Churros

You probably already have the ingredients for this churro recipe. These ingredients are all easily found at your local grocery shop if you don't have them. One request when it comes to shopping: indulge in good chocolate! This recipe is totally worth it and you will be happy you did.

All-purpose flourForms base of the dough
Baking powder:Helps to lighten the interior of the Churros and give them a fluffier texture.
Water:Provides liquid to make the dough. The outside of the churros will be crunchier if you use water instead of milk.
Extra virgin olive oil:Gives a subtle taste and richness. I prefer to use Spanish EVOOs, such as our Hojiblanca from Southern Andalusian Region of Estepa.
Kosher Salt: A flavor enhancer that prevents bland pastry.
Frying oil Use a neutral-flavored oil such as canola, sunflower or safflower oil, or a light oil like olive oil. The most traditional oils are olive and sunflower oils.
Cornstarch Used to thicken Spanish hot chocolate. It is thicker than a sauce and shares more similarities with Italian Hot Chocolate than thinner American hot chocolate.
Whole milk:Whole milk adds just the right amount of richness and creaminess to your hot chocolate. You can substitute any plant-based milk for this recipe to make it vegan.
Hot Chocolate: This base is used to make hot chocolate. For a rich, complex flavor without being too sweet, use 70% cacao chocolate.

How to Make Churros

Spanish churros can be described as deep-fried fritters made of a basic dough consisting of flour and boiling hot water. Churros are easy to make if you have made choux pastry. Simply heat the dough on the stovetop to make churros. Transfer the dough to a sturdy bag, churrera, or cookie press. Once the dough is ready to use, pipe it into teardrop-shaped shapes and fry it. You can also pipe straight lines if you prefer.

Combine the dry ingredients. In an medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour with 1 teaspoon baking powder. Place the bowl on the stove.
Bring the wet ingredients to boil: Heat 1 1/4 cups water and 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oils in a medium saucepan. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Combine the dough. When the mixture is boiling, turn off the heat. Use a wooden spoon to mix the dough until it forms a smooth ball. This takes about one minute. It is quite thick so it may take some time to get the dough together.
Form the dough: Once the dough has cooled enough that it is safe to handle, but not too warm, you can transfer it into a churrera or cookie press or a sturdy cloth bag with a large star tip (I use an Ateco 824 or Wilton 1M). Place 8-inch strips of dough on a parchment or silicone mat. You should have 16 churros after you've used all of the dough. It is quite dense so it takes some effort to press the dough. You can handle it while it is still warm so you should work quickly.
Fold the dough (optional). Fry the churros straight away or fold each strip into an oval shape measuring approximately 4 by 2 inches in height and 2 inches in width. To prevent the churros from drying out, wrap them in plastic wrap or a moist tea towel.
Make hot chocolate slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold milk in small bowl. Bring the 1/2 cup, 6 tablespoons of milk, 1 cinnamon stick and 1 star anise to boil. To prevent the milk scorching, stir occasionally with a wooden spoon. Turn the heat down to low and then add the cornstarch mixture. Stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is thickened to cream-like consistency.
Add the chocolate to the bowl. Continue stirring until all the chocolate is melted. While you prepare the churros, keep the chocolate warm on the lowest setting.
Prepare to fry the churros. Fill a Dutch oven with 2 inches oil. Over medium heat, heat the oil to 425°F. You can monitor the oil's temperature with a deep-fry thermometer. Also, you can check it periodically using an instant-read thermometer. A plate should be lined with several layers of paper towel. Keep it near a spider or heat-proof spoon.
Heat the oil and fry the churros. Use your hand to gently lift a churro out of the parchment paper. In the hot oil, add the churros one at a time. Fry the churros until they are golden brown around the edges. This takes about one minute per side. The spider can be used to remove the churros. Once they are removed, place them on paper towels to drain. Allow to cool down slightly. While they are still warm, sprinkle the churros with granulated sugar.
Pour the hot chocolate into individual cups. Serve hot churros with cups of chocolate to dip.

How To Shape Churros

Different shapes will be found in churros depending on where you are located and what churreria they are from.

Many shops use an extruder to pipe long spirals of dough into hot oil. The spirals are cut with kitchen shears and plated. Some shops offer teardrop-shaped loops, while others sell straight strips. The teardrops remind me of Barcelona's Petritxol street.

Tips on How to Fry Churros

Churros are fried in hot oil for a brief time. Most deep-fried pastries are fried at 350-375°F. Churros, however, are fried at 425°F. The best fried churros are:

Fry oils that have very high smoke points are recommended. The most popular oils in Spain are sunflower oil and olive oil.
Olive oil should be mild-flavored and heat-treated. It is often sold as light olive oils. Canola and safflower oils can be used.
Slowly, carefully place the churros in the hot oil one at a. You can fry them for approximately 1 minute each side or until they are lightly golden on the edges.
Between batches, let the oil heat up again.

You don't have to worry if your churros don’t brown as much. More important is the texture of your churro. You can test them by trying one. Give them time to cool. They should be crisp on the edges, but soft in the middle.

Churros

Spain's Churrerias serve churros on small plates with sugar packets. If you order churros with chocolate, a spoon is provided to help you finish the chocolate. (Hint: You do.)

There are a few variations of the Churros con Chocolate.

Chocolate Suizo Add a generous amount of whipped cream to the hot chocolate
Cafe con Leche: dip your churros in a strong, piping-hot latte.
Cinnamon:sprinkle some ground ginger over your churros or hot chocolate

I serve Churros con Chocolate for dessert at home. Sweet fried dough is a great choice for a Spanish themed dinner party. You can serve this dish with large portions of Seafood Paella, and plenty of Sangria.

More Chocolate Recipes!

Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolato Caldo)
Almonds and chocolate covered dates
Tahini Brownies Recipe
Chocolate Olive Oil Cake

Explore all Mediterranean recipes

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Churros with chocolate

The texture of churros' light, fluffy dough is everything. They can be fried until they are crispy but not too soft. For the best chocolate sauce, serve the thick, pudding-like chocolate sauce with a spoon.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Spanish

Prep time minutes

Cook Time 20 Minutes

Servings

Calories 357.7 357.7 Kcal

Author Mark Beahm

Ingredients

Churros

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Frying oil
Granulated sugar, for serving

Hot Chocolate

1 tablespoon cornstarch
4 cups whole milk (or plant-based milk)
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
1 star anise (optional)
8 ounces (227g) 70% chocolate, chopped

Instructions

Combine the dry ingredients. In a bowl, combine the flour and baking powder.
Boil the wet ingredients. Heat the water and extra-virgin oil in a saucepan on medium heat. Add the salt. Bring to boil.
Mix the dough. Take the pan from the heat. Add the flour mixture to all the wet ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to mix the dough until it forms a ball. This takes about one minute. You will need to use your muscle to vigorously stir the dough. You want the dough to be thicker than a bread dough.
Form the dough. Once the dough has cooled enough to hold, but is still warm, transfer it to a churrera (or cookie press) fitted with a large star tip. I used a Wilton 1M. The dough should be rolled into strips of 8 to 9 inches on a parchment or silicone baking mat.
Optional: Make loops: The churros can be left straight or made into loops. Make loops by taking one end of each strip and folding it into a teardrop shape. It should measure approximately 4-inches high by 2-inches in width. To seal, press the ends together. About 16 churros should be obtained. To prevent them drying out, wrap the churros in plastic wrap or a moist towel.
Make hot chocolate by combining the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold milk in a small bowl. Bring the milk, spices and remaining water to a boil in a large saucepan on medium heat. To prevent the milk scorching, stir occasionally using a wooden spoon.
To thin the chocolate, reduce the heat to low and then add the cornstarch mixture. Cook the chocolate for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring continuously, until it becomes slightly thicker. Continue to stir the chocolate until it is completely melted. While you prepare the churros, keep the chocolate warm on the lowest setting.
Pre-heat the oil by filling a Dutch oven with 2 inches of frying oil. Over medium heat, heat the oil to 425°F. To monitor the oil's temperature, use a deep-fry thermometer. You can also check it periodically using an instant-read thermometer.
Prepare a plate lined in paper towels. Line a plate with several layers of paper towels. Place the spoon and a spider near the stove.
Fry the churros. Use your hand to pick up a churro shape from the parchment paper. Then, carefully place it in the hot oil. Continue this process until you have a total of 4 churros. Fry the churros until they are golden brown around the edges. This takes about one minute per side. The spider can be used to remove the churros. Then, sprinkle the churros with granulated sugar while still warm. Let them cool down.
Serve: Give the hot chocolat a stir and pour into cups. Hot churros are best served with hot chocolate.

Video

Notes

Remember that the dough is dense when shaping it. The dough is difficult to work with, and it is easier to manipulate while still warm.
This recipe can be made more creatively by adding a scoop or two of whipped cream to your hot chocolate, cinnamon dusting, or serving the churros in a latte.
To browse high-quality Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oils, honey and jams, visit the shop

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 44.9g

The first appearance of Churros con Chocolate (Spanish Churros with Chocolate), was on The Mediterranean Dish.

By: Mark Beahm
Title: Churros con Chocolate (Spanish Churros with Chocolate)
Sourced From: www.themediterraneandish.com/churros/
Published Date: Tue, 04 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a typical Mediterranean breakfast like?

A Mediterranean breakfast would include a combination protein, healthy oil, and carbohydrates. The options include eggs in olive oil and roasted vegetables with a side salad, Greek yogurt with cheese, whole-grain Toast, or Quinoa porridge topped off with fresh fruits. Avocado toast with tomatoes is a delicious option for breakfast. You can start your day with Mediterranean-inspired proteins like wild-caught fish, grassfed meat, organic eggs, and nuts. Whole grains such as quinoa, oats, and whole grains are good choices. You can also limit the amount of sugar by choosing fresh fruits, avocados, extra virgin olive oils, olives, and coconut oils. For added antioxidants, you might consider adding green tea to your morning breakfast.

Can the Mediterranean Diet also be vegetarian?

Yes, it is possible to adapt the Mediterranean Diet so that you are vegetarian. For this diet, vegetarians can choose to eat a variety of plant-based proteins, such as fish and poultry. They could choose various plant-based options for protein sources like legumes, nuts, and seeds, which are staples in the Mediterranean Diet. Adding healthy fats such as olive oil, olives, and avocados will help compensate for the sourced protein if needed. In order to obtain vitamins and minerals while living a vegetarian lifestyle, you can add tofu or soy milk to your diet. You can also try other options such as mashing beans with toast, adding nuts or seeds to salads and bowls, serving hummus throughout the day with vegetables, or substituting ice-cream with frozen banana slices for dessert.

What should I eat in a day on a Mediterranean diet?

Healthy fats and proteins are key to a Mediterranean diet. There is also a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. A Mediterranean diet should have seven to 10 portions of fruits and vegetables each day and at least two to four 3-ounces of lean meats such as fish and chicken. It is also recommended to consume moderate amounts of healthy fats like olive oils and nuts. To ensure a balanced diet, aim for three portions of whole grains each day, such as quinoa or barley.

Also, it is important to limit foods that are unhealthy when consumed frequently. These include all processed foods and added sugars, unhealthy fats as well as white bread, starches and sweetened drinks such sodas or juices. It is important to avoid dairy, and to consume reduced-fat milk when possible. Avoid eating fish more than three times per week due to potential mercury contamination. This can affect its nutritional value and cause it to be less nutritious if it is not planned for.

To ensure you're getting the most from your Mediterranean diet experience every day, it can help to plan meals - paying particular attention to ingredients included within chosen dishes that provide the heart and health benefits associated with this dietary pattern accordingly over time.

The Mediterranean diet offers a variety of delicious and nutritious food options that can make it enjoyable. High-quality proteins such a wild-caught salmon, grass-fed pork, and organic eggs are recommended to ensure healthy eating habits. Include heart-healthy fats in nuts, olives. avocados, extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Coconut oil. Whole grains like quinoa, barley and oats should be included in your meals. Reduce unhealthy fats, added sweetness, processed food, starches, red and processed meats.

Is it possible to lose weight by following the Mediterranean diet

Yes, it's possible to lose weight with the Mediterranean Diet. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes whole foods such fruits, vegetables, legumes, olive oil, and other quality fats. These can help you reduce calories while still providing essential nutrients for your health. Incorporating physical activity into this eating style can also support weight loss by burning excess calories. With the right mindset, you can reduce your intake of processed foods and red meats, as well as add sugars, to help you maintain a healthy weight.

Is the Mediterranean Diet suitable for people suffering from certain health conditions like diabetes?

The Mediterranean Diet is a good choice for those with diabetes. This diet focuses on whole foods, reduces refined sugars, carbs, and emphasizes healthy fats rather than butter or lard. This diet reduces the risk of developing diabetes and lowers blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Additionally, incorporating light physical activity into this eating style can help regulate and stabilize blood sugar levels with regular exercise! Healthy food swaps such as replacing white bread with whole-grain bread or adding nuts to salads instead of crackers can contribute to a balanced meal plan suitable for managing symptoms of many different health conditions.

Can regular olive oils be used instead of extra-virgin olive oil?

You can substitute extra virgin olive oils for regular olive oil in the Mediterranean diet. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, (EVOO), has a higher quality, more nutritional benefits, and a milder flavor. Regular olive oil, however, is still an option. Regular olive oil works well for everyday meals, such as roasting vegetables to stir fry dishes. This oil is cheaper than EVOO. Some even believe it can be used for higher heat applications, such as deep frying. It doesn't contain the same nutrients as EVOO. So make sure you get all of these benefits in your diet.

Statistics

1g sugar Benefits Rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, these nuts may also favourably impact your gut microbiome (and thus improve digestive health) and lower LDL cholesterol, according to a small study that included 18 healthy adults. (everydayhealth.com)
In one study, the healthiest eaters at age 50 had a nearly 90% lower risk of dementia than those with the least healthy diets. (heart.org)
Benefits of Replacing foods high in saturated fats (like butter) with plant sources high in monounsaturated fatty acids, like olive oil, may help lower the risk of heart disease by 19 percent, according to research. (everydayhealth.com)
The research suggested that the diet reduced the risk of cardiovascular issues, including stroke, heart attack, and death, by about 30 percent compared with the control group. (medicalnewstoday.com)

External Links

How To

How to adopt a Mediterranean Lifestyle for a Healthier Lifestyle

The Mediterranean Diet is a eating plan that takes inspiration from the traditional Mediterranean cuisines. The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes healthy fats and whole grains, legumes and fresh fruits, vegetables. It also encourages moderate consumption of eggs and white meats, as well as dairy products and red wine. This diet emphasizes the consumption of plant-based food such as legumes, nuts and seeds, which are packed with vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals and plant proteins. The anti-inflammatory properties these foods possess are well known for their heart health benefits.

The Mediterranean diet has many health benefits. It can help you live longer and have better quality of life. Evidence also suggests possible beneficial effects on weight management and cardiovascular diseases. In addition to its health benefits on body composition and overall health status to chronic disease prevention, it promotes eating habits involving socializing around meals that help minimize food cravings at random times throughout the day or night. Finally, including lots of averagely vigorous physical activity throughout your day, such as walking or biking to work and taking the stairs instead of the elevator, can further increase the health benefits of this lifestyle.

Start a Mediterranean diet by eating more vegetables and fruits for snacks, meals, and sides. Brown rice, quinoa oats, barley, and quinoa are better choices than refined grains. You can get more protein from fish, beans, or nuts. Olive oil can be used as your main cooking fat. Use herbs and spices instead of salt to season food. Reduce your intake of dairy products like yogurt and cheese. To complete the Mediterranean diet, have a glass or two of red wine every once in a while!

It takes dedication and time to make adjustments to your daily menu plan. However, there are some tips to help you make the transition to a healthier lifestyle. Also, you can learn how to diversify your diet so you don’t become bored of the same ingredients. Last, but not least, include high-fiber grains, legumes, as well as high-fiber products that can enhance your feeling of fullness after eating.

Mediterranean cooking encourages enjoyment of food and the pleasure of cooking, while also allowing you to be healthy. For a more balanced diet, it is possible to make small changes in your daily intake of whole foods. This diet can provide potential health benefits including improved quality of life and longer life span.