Churros

Churros: The Spanish Delight Without Rising

If you're looking for quick and delicious sweets that remind you of sunny vacations, churros are the perfect choice. These crispy, no-rise doughnuts are ideal for breakfast or dessert, and their combination with sugar and cinnamon makes them irresistible. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step on how to achieve perfect churros, with a crispy exterior and a soft interior.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients:
- 150 ml water
- 150 ml whole milk (preferably cow's milk, homemade for a richer taste)
- 125 g margarine (or butter for a more authentic flavor)
- 130 g flour
- a pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust to taste)
- a vanilla pod (or vanilla sugar)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar + a teaspoon of cinnamon (for dusting)
- sunflower oil (for frying)
- 2 large eggs (or 3 smaller eggs)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the mixture
In a medium-sized saucepan, add the water, milk, margarine, sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Place the saucepan on low heat and stir constantly until the margarine is completely dissolved and the mixture is heated but not boiling. This is an important step, as you want to ensure all ingredients are perfectly integrated.

Step 2: Adding the flour
Once the mixture is hot, remove the saucepan from the heat and add all the flour at once. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix vigorously. It is essential to mix well to avoid lumps. You will notice that the dough becomes homogeneous and cohesive, just as it should.

Step 3: Incorporating the eggs
Let the dough cool slightly, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step will give the dough that airy and soft texture we are looking for.

Step 4: Frying the churros
In a deep saucepan, heat the sunflower oil to a moderate to hot temperature. You can check if the oil is ready by adding a small amount of dough; if it floats to the surface and starts to brown, the oil is at the right temperature. Use a piping bag or, if you don’t have one, a sturdy bag with a cut corner to form strips of dough to throw into the hot oil. Fry them on both sides until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Step 5: Dusting with sugar and serving
Once the churros are ready, remove them onto an absorbent towel to eliminate excess oil. Then, mix the powdered sugar with the cinnamon and dust them generously. This final step will give them that sweet and aromatic taste, turning them into an unforgettable dessert.

Serving:
Churros are delicious served warm, perhaps with a side of hot chocolate for dipping. Or you can enjoy them plain, alongside a tea or coffee. These doughnuts are perfect for bringing a bit of joy to any morning or afternoon.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to give them a hint of flavor, you can add lemon or orange zest to the mixture.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the dough to achieve a crispy texture.
- If you don’t have sunflower oil, you can use peanut or olive oil, but the taste will be different.

Nutritional benefits:
Churros, while delicious, are a calorie-rich snack, so consume them in moderation. The flour, eggs, and milk provide protein, while the sugar and oil add quick energy. You can adjust the recipe to reduce sugar or use whole wheat flour for a higher fiber intake.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture of the churros may be different. White flour provides a finer and fluffier texture.
2. How can I store churros?
It is best to consume them fresh, but if any remain, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.
3. Can I make churros without eggs?
Yes, you can experiment with banana puree or yogurt to replace the eggs, although the result will be different.

Variations:
For a diverse experience, try adding melted chocolate or caramel sauce alongside churros. You can also experiment with different flavored powdered sugars, such as cocoa or cardamom, to give them a personalized touch.

In conclusion, churros are a wonderful choice to impress family and friends, offering an authentic taste and pleasant texture. I hope this detailed recipe helps you create the most delicious churros at home, and that each bite is a true celebration of flavor! Enjoy!