Doughnuts from steamed dough

Choux Pastries - a warm and fluffy delight

Who doesn't love choux pastries? These golden treats, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, remind us of beautiful childhood moments when we indulged in freshly made sweets, prepared with love. Choux pastries, in a simple and quick recipe, are perfect for a savory breakfast or a sweet snack at any time of the day.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

- 125 ml water
- 125 ml milk
- 50 g butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 eggs
- vanilla essence (to taste)
- 150 g flour
- a pinch of salt
- oil for frying
- powdered sugar for decoration

A bit of history

Choux pastries have a fascinating history, being prepared in various forms and with different ingredients over time. They have evolved from simply frying dough to the various variations we encounter today, each culture contributing its unique touch to the classic recipe. In many traditions, choux pastries are associated with holidays and festivities, holding a special place in the hearts of those who enjoy them.

Step by step for perfect choux pastries

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 125 ml water, 125 ml milk, 50 g butter, and a pinch of salt. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to give a sweet note to your dough.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and let it reach boiling point. It’s important to stir occasionally to prevent the butter from burning.
3. Once the mixture starts to boil, add 150 g of flour all at once. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix vigorously. You will notice how the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the saucepan, forming a compact ball.

Step 2: Cooling the dough

1. After the dough has homogenized, remove it from the heat and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This is an important step, as you don’t want to add the eggs to the hot dough, to avoid cooking them prematurely.

Step 3: Adding the eggs

1. Once the dough has cooled, add the vanilla essence. This will give the choux pastries a delicious and inviting aroma.
2. Start adding the eggs, one at a time, mixing very well after each addition. It’s essential to achieve a smooth and glossy dough. If the dough seems too thick, don’t worry; this is the desired texture.

Step 4: Frying the choux pastries

1. In a deep frying pan or saucepan, heat oil. Make sure there is enough to cover the choux pastries halfway; the ideal temperature should be around 170-180°C. You can check the temperature by placing a small piece of dough in the oil; if it starts to sizzle and rises to the surface, it’s ready.
2. Using a teaspoon or an ice cream scoop, take small portions of dough and carefully place them in the hot oil. Make sure to leave enough space between the pastries to allow them to rise. Fry them on low heat, turning them with a spatula to brown evenly on both sides.
3. When the choux pastries become golden and crispy, remove them to an absorbent towel to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Decorating and serving

1. After the choux pastries have cooled slightly, sprinkle powdered sugar on top. This not only adds a festive touch but also a hint of sweetness.
2. Choux pastries can be served plain or filled with jam, chocolate cream, or whipped cream, depending on your preferences.

Practical tips:

- Oil: Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower or peanut oil, to avoid burning.
- Temperature control: If the choux pastries brown too quickly, the oil may be too hot. Adjust the heat to achieve even frying.
- Storing choux pastries: If you want to keep the choux pastries for later consumption, you can freeze them. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer until firm. Then, you can transfer them to an airtight container. When you want to eat them, you can reheat them in the oven.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of flour?
- Although white flour is the most recommended, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or bread flour, but the texture will be different.

2. How can I flavor the choux pastries?
- You can add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh taste. You can also use different essences, such as almond.

3. What are the best accompaniments for choux pastries?
- Choux pastries are delicious alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or tea. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or fruit compote will perfectly complement the pastries.

Personalized version

If you want to add a touch of originality, you can try adding some chocolate chips or dried fruits to the choux pastry dough. These will bring a unique texture and taste, transforming simple choux pastries into true delights. Also, feel free to experiment with different types of sugar for decoration, such as coconut sugar or flavored sugar.

Remember, choux pastries are a versatile dish that can bring joy to every home. Share this recipe with friends and family, and enjoy the moments spent together savoring these delicious treats!