Churros with parmesan

Delicious Parmesan Churros Recipe

Welcome to the world of South American flavors! Today, I invite you to discover a recipe for parmesan churros, an unusual combination that blends tradition with a modern twist. This dish is not just a dessert but also a savory snack, perfect for any occasion! Churros are usually sweet, but we will learn how to give them a salty note that will surely impress anyone who tastes them.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 260 ml water (preferably spring water for a pure flavor)
- 50 g butter (preferably unsalted, to control the salt level)
- 120 g flour (white wheat flour for a lighter texture)
- A good pinch of salt (helps enhance the flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder (for a touch of exoticism)
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika (adds a bit of color and flavor)
- 3 eggs (at room temperature, for better incorporation)
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan (use fresh parmesan for the best taste)
- oil for frying (choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil)
- extra parmesan for dusting (for a savory finish)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the dough base:
In a medium saucepan, add the water, butter cut into pieces, salt, curry powder, and sweet paprika. Place the saucepan over medium heat and wait for it to reach boiling point. This is the stage where the flavors combine, and the butter will melt completely.

2. Adding the flour:
Once the water has started boiling, reduce the heat to low and add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spatula or spoon until the mixture becomes a homogeneous dough that pulls away from the sides of the saucepan. This is a crucial moment: make sure there are no lumps of flour!

3. Cooling the dough:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the dough to a heat-resistant bowl. Place this bowl in another bowl with cold water for 5 minutes. This step is important to cool the dough so that the eggs do not cook when added.

4. Incorporating the eggs:
After 5 minutes, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It is essential for the eggs to be at room temperature for even incorporation. When the dough becomes smooth and shiny, add the grated parmesan and mix again.

5. Shaping the churros:
Prepare a pastry bag with a star-shaped tip. Fill it with the prepared dough. Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot enough (about 180°C), shape the churros directly above the pan. Cut the dough to the desired size, but avoid adding more than 4 or 5 pieces to the pan to prevent cooling the oil.

6. Frying:
Fry the churros for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they become golden and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully turn them. When ready, remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

7. Serving:
Sprinkle grated parmesan over the warm churros immediately after removing them from the oil. They are delicious served warm, alongside a spicy sauce or garlic mayonnaise, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Practical tips:

- Choosing ingredients: Always use freshly grated parmesan, as its flavor is much more intense compared to pre-packaged.
- Temperature control: Ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding the churros; otherwise, they will become greasy.
- Vegetarian option: If you want to make a vegetarian version, you can replace the eggs with a mix of applesauce or banana puree, but the texture will be different.

Nutritional benefits:

Parmesan churros are a good source of protein due to the eggs and parmesan, and adding curry can provide antioxidant benefits. Additionally, parmesan contains calcium, essential for bone health.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I freeze the churros? Yes, you can freeze them after they have completely cooled. Make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
- What other sauces pair well with savory churros? Try a yogurt herb sauce, ranch sauce, or even a spicy tomato sauce for an interesting flavor contrast.
- Can I use another type of cheese? Although parmesan provides a distinctive flavor, you can experiment with cheddar or feta cheese for a different taste profile.

These parmesan churros are an excellent way to impress guests at a party or simply to treat yourself on a quiet evening at home. Once you taste these crispy delights, you will understand why they are worth trying! Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!